title: Sexuality in adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder: self-reported behaviours and attitudes.
abstract: Differences in sexual functioning of adolescents with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are understudied. In the current study, self-reported sexual behaviours, interests and attitudes of 50 adolescent boys, aged 15-18, with at least average intelligence and diagnosed with ASD, were compared with a matched general population control group of 90 boys. Results demonstrated substantial similarity between the groups in terms of sexual behaviours. The only significant difference was that boys with ASD reacted more tolerant towards homosexuality compared to the control group. Results reveal that sexuality is a normative part of adolescent development in high-functioning boys with ASD. Hence, attention should be given to this topic in education and mental health care.
authors.affiliation: Tranzo, Scientific Centre for Care and Welfare, Tilburg University, PO Box 90153, 5000 LE, Tilburg, The Netherlands, jeroen.dewinter@antwerpen.be.
authors.forename: Jeroen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dewinter
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vermeiren
authors.forename: Ine
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Vanwesenbeeck
authors.forename: Jill
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lobbestael
authors.forename: Chijs
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Van Nieuwenhuizen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000523:psychology; D001290:Attitude; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D057566:Self Report; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D019529:Sexuality