{"title":"A systematic review of sexual health, knowledge, and behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder.","authors":"Mahtab Motamed, Arman Hajikarim-Hamedani, Arghavan Fakhrian, Javad Alaghband-Rad","doi":"10.1186/s12888-025-06836-x","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with significant challenges in sexual experiences, relationships, and victimization. This review consolidates findings to improve understanding of sexual health in ASD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (1991-2024) were reviewed. Data were extracted using EndNote 21, focusing on demographics, autism support needs, and sexual behaviors. Methodological quality was assessed using modified Cochrane and Effective Public Health Practice Project tools.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Autistic individuals face unique challenges in romantic and sexual relationships, such as sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties. While they share typical sexual desires, these challenges can complicate their relationships and increase the risk of victimization. The review highlights the need for tailored sexual health education and supportive interventions, particularly for those at higher risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review emphasizes the need for inclusive sexual health interventions for autistic individuals, considering the heterogeneity of ASD and its impact on sexual well-being. Further research should address current gaps, especially regarding non-Western contexts and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities or gender diversity, to improve support and understanding.</p>","PeriodicalId":9029,"journal":{"name":"BMC Psychiatry","volume":"25 1","pages":"410"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12016163/pdf/","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"BMC Psychiatry","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-025-06836-x","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"PSYCHIATRY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with significant challenges in sexual experiences, relationships, and victimization. This review consolidates findings to improve understanding of sexual health in ASD.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (1991-2024) were reviewed. Data were extracted using EndNote 21, focusing on demographics, autism support needs, and sexual behaviors. Methodological quality was assessed using modified Cochrane and Effective Public Health Practice Project tools.
Results: Autistic individuals face unique challenges in romantic and sexual relationships, such as sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties. While they share typical sexual desires, these challenges can complicate their relationships and increase the risk of victimization. The review highlights the need for tailored sexual health education and supportive interventions, particularly for those at higher risk.
Conclusion: This review emphasizes the need for inclusive sexual health interventions for autistic individuals, considering the heterogeneity of ASD and its impact on sexual well-being. Further research should address current gaps, especially regarding non-Western contexts and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities or gender diversity, to improve support and understanding.
背景:自闭症谱系障碍(ASD)影响社会互动、沟通和行为,在性经历、关系和受害方面面临重大挑战。本综述整合了研究结果,以提高对ASD患者性健康的认识。方法:按照PRISMA指南,检索PubMed、Scopus、Web of Science和PsycInfo(1991-2024)的相关研究。使用EndNote 21提取数据,重点关注人口统计学、自闭症支持需求和性行为。采用改进的Cochrane和有效公共卫生实践项目工具评估方法学质量。结果:自闭症患者在恋爱和性关系中面临着独特的挑战,如感官敏感性和沟通困难。虽然他们有共同的性欲望,但这些挑战会使他们的关系复杂化,增加受害的风险。该审查强调了量身定制的性健康教育和支持性干预措施的必要性,特别是对那些风险较高的人。结论:考虑到自闭症的异质性及其对性健康的影响,本综述强调了对自闭症个体进行包容性性健康干预的必要性。进一步的研究应解决目前的差距,特别是在非西方环境和同时存在智力残疾或性别多样性的个人方面,以提高支持和理解。
期刊介绍:
BMC Psychiatry is an open access, peer-reviewed journal that considers articles on all aspects of the prevention, diagnosis and management of psychiatric disorders, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology, and epidemiology.