A qualitative investigation of parental attitudes and needs for sexual health education for children with autism in Romania

Abstract

Parents play an important role as primary educators in the sexual education of children diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). This current study investigates by using a qualitative approach the attitudes and needs of parents regarding the sexual health education (SHE) of their ASD children. A sample of N=19 parents with ASD children and adolescents was included in the study. Data were collected with an online questionnaire (with 11 items referring to aspects of sexual health education). The answers were analyzed by performing qualitative content analysis. The results indicate that most of the parents are open towards sexual health education for their ASD children starting at 8-12 years and, if possible, embedded in therapeutic programs. Parents expressed that they encounter difficulties regarding the communication and recognition of signs of interests of their children towards sexuality. The majority of parents expressed willingness towards participation to parental SHE programs.