Exploring the Experience of Romantic Relationships and Sexuality Education in Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Young Individuals

IF 1.1 4区 医学 Q3 REHABILITATION
Magdalena Smusz, Christopher Birkbeck, Amy Bidgood, Clare S. Allely
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Abstract

Purpose The literature indicates that sexuality education provided in schools/colleges in the United Kingdom (UK) may not be appropriate for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There appears to be a lack of understanding of the subject regarding young people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and a dual diagnosis (ASD co-occurring with ADHD). Research also suggests that compared to neurotypical peers, young people with ASD tend to receive less support on sexuality from their parents, who often feel that they lack the appropriate skills to help their children with some sex-related issues. Some young people with ASD and ADHD also report lacking an understanding of the social nuances of dating and intimacy, which is crucial for navigating romantic relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study explored sexuality education and romantic relationships in young people based on a semi-structured interview approach to the topic. Thematic Analysis (TA) was employed to analyze the data. Findings Six themes were developed from the participants’ narratives: Societal ideology about sexuality; Substandard school-based sexuality education; The role of adults in sexuality education; Pornography, as a very powerful alternative means of sexuality education; Young people and romance—a complicated world to navigate; Experience of abuse in the young neurodivergent population is a serious matter. Findings revealed that many neurodivergent and neurotypical young people received basic sex education in their schools/colleges and homes and encountered challenges navigating romantic relationships. Neurodivergent young people reported experiencing greater challenges related to their understanding of and building romantic relationships than their neurotypical peers. Originality/value To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first exploration of romantic relationships and sexuality education in neurotypical young people as well as three groups of neurodivergent young people (with ASD, ADHD, and ASD co-occurring with ADHD).

探索神经分裂和神经畸形青少年的恋爱关系和性教育体验
目的 文献表明,英国学校/学院提供的性教育可能不适合自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)患者。对于患有注意力缺陷/多动障碍(ADHD)和双重诊断(自闭症谱系障碍并发注意力缺陷/多动障碍)的青少年,似乎缺乏对这一主题的了解。研究还表明,与神经正常的同龄人相比,患有 ASD 的青少年在性问题上从父母那里得到的支持往往较少,他们往往认为自己缺乏适当的技能来帮助孩子解决一些与性有关的问题。一些患有 ASD 和多动症的青少年还表示,他们对约会和亲密关系中的社会细微差别缺乏了解,而这对他们处理浪漫关系至关重要。设计/方法/途径 本研究以半结构式访谈为基础,探讨了青少年的性教育和恋爱关系。采用主题分析法(TA)对数据进行分析。研究结果 从参与者的叙述中提出了六个主题:关于性的社会意识形态;不达标的学校性教育;成人在性教育中的角色;色情,作为性教育的一种非常强大的替代手段;年轻人与恋情--一个需要驾驭的复杂世界;年轻的神经变异者遭受虐待的经历是一个严重的问题。研究结果表明,许多神经变异和神经畸形的年轻人在学校/学院和家庭中接受了基本的性教育,但在处理浪漫关系时遇到了挑战。与神经畸形青少年相比,神经发育异常青少年在理解和建立恋爱关系方面遇到了更大的挑战。原创性/价值 据研究人员所知,这是首次对神经典型青少年以及三组神经多变青少年(患有自闭症、多动症以及自闭症并发多动症)的恋爱关系和性教育进行探讨。
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来源期刊
Sexuality and Disability
Sexuality and Disability REHABILITATION-
CiteScore
2.70
自引率
20.00%
发文量
47
期刊介绍: Sexuality and Disability is an international forum for the publication of peer-reviewed original interdisciplinary scholarly papers that address the psychological and medical aspects of sexuality in relation to rehabilitation. Publishing timely research articles, review articles, case studies, clinical practice reports, brief research reports, survey data reports, and book and film reviews, the journal offers the latest developments in the area of sexuality as it relates to a wide range of disabilities and conditions. Contributions address: clinical and research progress; community programs; independent-living programs; guidelines for clinical practice; special grand-rounds topics; consumer issues; and contemporary developments in special programs in sex education and counseling for people with disabilities. The journal features special issues with internationally renowned guest editors focusing on current topics in sexual health. By publishing research, best-practice, evidence-based, and educational articles, the journal seeks to contribute to the field''s knowledge base and advancement. Sexuality and Disability is an essential resource for the exchange of new knowledge, issues, techniques, and available modalities for researchers and other professionals addressing the psychological and medical aspects of sexuality in rehabilitation, medical, academic, and community settings.
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