Prevalence and Frequency of Online Sexual Activity by Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder

We examined the prevalence and frequency with which cognitively able adults (141 men, 190 women) with autism spectrum disorder (CA-ASD) engaged in a range of online sexual activities (OSAs). Participants completed an online survey that assessed their recent involvement in nonarousal (Information Seeking, Chatting), solitary-arousal (S-OSA), and partnered-arousal (P-OSA) online sexual activities. Almost two thirds had engaged in one or more OSA but, on average, had done so infrequently. There were only a few differences based on sex, age, and sexual identity. Significantly more men than women had engaged in Information Seeking and S-OSA and had done so more frequently. Individuals in their 20s were significantly more likely to have engaged in Information Seeking. Sexual-minority individuals were more likely to report engaging in P-OSA than were heterosexual individuals. These results are discussed in terms of their implications for sexuality education aimed at assisting adults with CA-ASD to establish a healthy and meaningful sexuality.

Download Full-text

Evaluation of employment-support services for adults with autism spectrum disorder

Autism ◽

10.1177/1362361317702507 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 22 (6) ◽

pp. 693-702 ◽

Cited By ~ 17

Author(s):

David B Nicholas ◽

Lonnie Zwaigenbaum ◽

Jennifer Zwicker ◽

Margaret E Clarke ◽

Ramesh Lamsal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Support Services ◽

Online Survey ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Support Personnel ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Beneficial Impact ◽

Employment Support ◽

Vocational Support

The employment rate among persons with autism spectrum disorder has been noted as unacceptably low. Employment-support services are increasingly linked to the potential for favorable job outcomes, yet little is known about employment-support practices and the outcome of these interventions. This mixed-methods study examined employment-support resources for persons with autism spectrum disorder. An online survey was completed by 137 senior clinicians or administrators in employment-support programs in Canada. Additionally, 122 follow-up interviews were conducted with individuals with autism spectrum disorder (n = 71) and their parents/caregivers (n = 51). Findings indicate that the quality and beneficial impact of employment-support services for adults with autism spectrum disorder may be more favorably perceived by employment-support personnel than by individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families. Furthermore, employment-support personnel were more disparaging about autism spectrum disorder vocational support capacity within their community, compared to their own programs. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families seek services that support both accessing and retaining employment. Capacity-building in employment support for youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder is recommended, based on a reported insufficiency of, and a lack of evidence guiding, existing services. Program recommendations and an emerging model for integrated vocational support in autism spectrum disorder are offered.

Download Full-text

Information Avoidance and Information Seeking Among Parents of Children With ASD

American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ◽

10.1352/1944-7558-126.3.249 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 126 (3) ◽

pp. 249-259

Author(s):

Nachum Sicherman ◽

Kiely Law ◽

Paul H. Lipkin ◽

George Loewenstein ◽

Alison R. Marvin ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Information Seeking ◽

Online Survey ◽

Healthcare Professionals ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Information Avoidance ◽

Children With Asd ◽

Age Of Diagnosis

Abstract We estimated the effects of information avoidance and information seeking among parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on age of diagnosis. An online survey was completed by 1,815 parents of children with ASD. Children of parents who self-reported that they had preferred “not to know,” reported diagnoses around 3 months later than other children. Children of parents who raised concerns that they perceived as having been dealt with adequately reported diagnoses about 4 months earlier, but the children of parents who reported raising concerns repeatedly and felt that those concerns were dealt with inadequately were diagnosed over a year later. These findings suggest that failure of educational and healthcare professionals, in either substituting for parents who avoid information, or supporting those who seek information, can significantly delay the age of diagnosis.

Download Full-text

Self-perception of friendship style: Young adults with and without autism spectrum disorder

Autism & Developmental Language Impairments ◽

10.1177/2396941519855390 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4 ◽

pp. 239694151985539 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Erinn H Finke ◽

Jillian H McCarthy ◽

Natalie A Sarver

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Young Adults ◽

Online Survey ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Self Perception ◽

Adults With Autism ◽

Relative Ease ◽

Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis ◽

Similarities And Differences

Background It has been reported that people on the autism spectrum have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. Congruence of perspective on friendships and friendship practices may affect the frequency and intensity of friendships, but this is not well understood. Aims The aims of the current project were to identify the similarities and differences in the broad perspectives and friendship practices of young adults with and without autism. Method and procedures Young adults with and without autism between the ages of 18 and 24 years completed an online survey to determine the friendship preferences that most define the perspectives of young adults with autism. Outcomes and results The results identified primarily differences in the broad perspectives and friendship practices of young adults with and without autism spectrum disorder, which may provide a context for understanding the values and priorities that need to be considered as two people (whether they have an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis or not) embark on a new potential friendship, and may help people with autism (as well as clinicians, educators, and caregivers) understand why some friendships flounder and others are established and maintained with relative ease.

Download Full-text