Résumés
Résumé
Les défis de communication et d’interactions sociales associés à l’autisme posent un défi dans le développement d’une sexualité harmonieuse à l’adolescence. Vingt autistes âgés de 16 à 24 ans sont interrogés sur les sources d’information relatives à la sexualité et leur expérience de vie amoureuse. Ils nomment l’école, l’Internet, des intervenants ou parents comme sources d’informations sur la sexualité. Faire les premiers pas auprès d’un partenaire potentiel est difficile. Ils souhaitent avoir de l’aide pour draguer et décoder les indices non-verbaux. Ces résultats mettent en lumière les besoins de soutien de ces jeunes et la nécessité d’une éducation qui répond à leurs besoins.
Mots-clés :
- trouble du spectre de l’autisme,
- sexualité,
- éducation sexuelle,
- relations amoureuses,
- adolescent
Abstract
Challenges in communication and interpreting social cues associated with autism can hinder the ability to develop positive sexual experiences in adolescence. Twenty autistic youth aged 16 to 24 were interviewed regarding their sexual education and experiences. Participants relied on various sources of information, including school, Internet, professionals, or family members. Many struggled with flirting and approaching potential partners. They would like to get help with flirting and decoding non-verbal cues. Results highlight the support these youths need to engage in romantic and sexual relationships, as well as sexual education tailored to their specific needs.
Keywords:
- autism spectrum disorder,
- sexuality,
- sex education,
- romantic relationships,
- adolescent
Parties annexes
Bibliographie
- Agence de la santé publique du Canada (2022, juin). Trouble du spectre de l’autisme : faits saillants de l’enquête canadienne sur la santé des enfants et des jeunes de 2019 (Publication No. HP35-153/2022F-PDF). https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2022/aspc-phac/HP35-153-2022-fra.pdf
- American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders text revision (5e éd., texte rév.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
- Ballan, M. S. (2012). Parental perspectives of communication about sexuality in families of children with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(5), 676−684. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-011-1293-y
- Ballan, M. S., & Freyer, M. B. (2017). Autism spectrum disorder, adolescence, and sexuality education: Suggested interventions for mental health professionals. Sexuality and Disability, 35(2), 261−273. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-017-9477-9
- Barnett, J. P., & Maticka‐Tyndale, E. (2015). Qualitative exploration of sexual experiences among adults on the autism spectrum: Implications for sex education. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 47(4), 171−179. https://doi.org/10.1363/47e5715
- Beddows, N., & Brooks, R. (2016). Inappropriate sexual behaviour in adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: What education is recommended and why. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 10(4), 282−289. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.12265
- Black, M. H., Kuzminski, R., Wang, J., Ang, J., Lee, C., Hafidzuddin, S., & McGarry, S. (2024). Experiences of friendships for individuals on the autism spectrum: A scoping review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 11, 184−209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-022-00332-8
- Botha, M., & Gillespie-Lynch, K. (2022). Come as you are: Examining autistic identity development and the neurodiversity movement through an intersectional lens. Human Development, 66(2), 93−112. https://doi.org/10.1159/000524123
- Brown-Lavoie, S. M., Viecili, M. A., & Weiss, J. (2014). Sexual knowledge and victimization in adults with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2185−2196. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2093-y
- Byers, E. S., Nichols, S., & Voyer, S. D. (2013). Challenging stereotypes: Sexual functioning of single adults with high functioning autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(11), 2617−2627. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1813-z
- Byers, E. S., & Nichols, S. (2019). Prevalence and frequency of online sexual activity by adults with autism spectrum disorder. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 34(3), 163−172. https://doi.org/10.1177/1088357618800061
- Cheak-Zamora, N. C., Teti, M., Maurer-Batjer, A., O’Connor, K. V., & Randolph, J. K. (2019). Sexual and relationship interest, knowledge, and experiences among adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 48(8), 2605-2615. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-019-1445-2
- Crehan, E. T., Rocha, J., & Dufresne, S. (2022). Brief report: Sources of sexuality and relationship education for autistic and neurotypical adults in the U.S. and a call to action. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 52(2), 908−913. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04992-z
- Corona, L. L., Fox, S. A., Christodulu, K. V., & Worlock, J. A. (2016). Providing education on sexuality and relationships to adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their parents. Sexuality and Disability, 34(2), 199−214. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-015-9424-6
- Dewinter, J., Vermeiren, R., Vanwesenbeeck, I., Lobbestael, J., & Van Nieuwenhuizen, C. (2015). Sexuality in adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder: Self-reported behaviours and attitudes. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(3), 731−741. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2226-3
- Dewinter, J., Onaiwu, M. G., Massolo, M. L., Caplan, R., Van Beneden, E., Brörmann, N., Crehan, E. T., Croen, L. A., Faja, S., Gassner, D. L., Graham Holmes, L., Hughes, C., Hunter, M., Huysamen, M., Jelonche, P., Lai, M.-C., Noens, I., Pukki, H., Stokes, M. A., Strang, J. F., & van der Miesen, A. I. R. (2024). Short report: Recommendations for education, clinical practice, research, and policy on promoting well-being in autistic youth and adults through a positive focus on sexuality and gender diversity. Autism, 28(3), 770−779. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231188349
- Douglas, S., & Sedgewick, F. (2024). Experiences of interpersonal victimization and abuse among autistic people. Autism, 28(7), 1732−1745. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613231205630
- Dubé, K., Bussières, È.-L., & Poulin, M.-H. (2022). Développement harmonieux de la sexualité chez les jeunes ayant un TSA : revue systématique et méta-analyse des pratiques favorables. Psychologie canadienne, 63(1), 56−68. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/cap0000261
- Fecteau, S.-M., Normand, C. L., Normandeau, G., Cloutier, I., Guerrero, L., Turgeon, S., & Poulin, M.-H. (2024). "Not a trouble": A mixed-method study of autism-related language preferences by French-Canadian adults from the autism community. Neurodiversity, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241253696
- Georges, R., & Stokes, M. A. (2017). Gender identity and sexual orientation in autism spectrum disorder. Autism, 22(8), 970−982. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361317714587
- George, R., & Stokes, M. A. (2018). A quantitative analysis of mental health among sexual and gender minority groups in ASD. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 48(6), 2052–2063. https//doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3469-1
- Ghanouni, P., Jarus, T., Zwicker, J. G., Lucyshyn, J., Chauhan, S., & Moir, C. (2019). Perceived barriers and existing challenges in participation of children with autism spectrum disorders: “He did not understand and no one else seemed to understand him”. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(8), 3136–3145. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04036-7
- Gibbs, V., & Pellicano, E. (2023). “Maybe we just seem like easy targets”: A qualitative analysis of autistic adults’ experiences of interpersonal violence. Autism, 27(7), 2021–2034. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613221150375
- González García, S., Solís-García, P., Morán-Suárez, L., Monsalve-González, A., Gómez-Sánchez, L. E., & Alcedo-Rodríguez, Á. (2023). Gender identity and sexual orientation of people with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review. Siglo Cero, 54(2), 53–72. https://doi.org/10.14201/scero202354228880
- Han, E., Scior, K., Avramides, K., & Crane, L. (2022). A systematic review on autistic people's experiences of stigma and coping strategies. Autism Research, 15(1), 12–26. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2652
- Hancock, G. I., Stokes, M. A., & Mesibov, G. B. (2017). Socio‐sexual functioning in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and meta‐analyses of existing literature. Autism Research, 10(11), 1823–1833. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1831
- Hancock, G., Stokes, M. A., & Mesibov, G. (2020). Differences in romantic relationship experiences for individuals with an autism spectrum disorder. Sexuality and Disability, 38(2), 231–245. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09573-8
- Hannah, L. A., & Stagg, S. D. (2016). Experiences of sex education and sexual awareness in young adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(12), 3678–3687. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2906-2
- Hartmann, K., Urbano, M. R., Raffaele, C. T., Qualls, L. R., Williams, T. V., Warren, C., Kreiser, N. L., Elkins, D. E., & Deutsch, S. I. (2019). Sexuality in the autism spectrum study (SASS): Reports from young adults and parents. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 49(9), 3638–3655. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04077-y
- Hull, L., & Mandy, W. (2017). Protective effect or missed diagnosis? Females with autism spectrum disorder. Future Neurology, 12(3), 159–169. https://doi.org/10.2217/fnl-2017-0006
- Joyal, C., Carpentier, J., McKinnon, S., Normand, C. L., & Poulin, M. H. (2021). Sexual knowledge, desires and experience of adolescents and young adults with an autism spectrum disorder: An exploratory study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, Article 685256. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.685256
- Kalandadze, T., Bambini, V., & Naess, K.-A. B. (2019). A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on metaphor comprehension in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: Do task properties matter? Applied Psycholinguistic, 40(6), 1421–1454. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0142716419000328
- Kohn, B. H., Vidal, P., Chiao, R., Pantalone, D. W., & Faja, S. (2023). Sexual knowledge, experiences, and pragmatic language in adults with and without autism: Implications for sex education. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(10), 3770–3786. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05659-z
- MacKenzie, A. (2018). Prejudicial stereotypes and testimonial injustice: Autism, sexuality and sex education. International Journal of Educational Research, 89, 110–118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2017.10.007
- May, T., Pang, K. C., & Williams, K. (2017). Brief report: Sexual attraction and relationships in adolescents with autism. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(6), 1910–1916. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3092-6
- Medina-Rico, M., López-Ramos, H., & Quiñonez, A. (2018). Sexuality in people with intellectual disability: Review of literature. Sexuality and Disability, 36(3), 231–248. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-017-9508-6
- Mehzabin, P., & Stokes, M. A. (2011). Self-assessed sexuality in young adults with high-functioning autism. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 5(1), 614–621. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2010.07.006
- Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldaña, J. (2013). Qualitative data analysis: A methods sourcebook (3e éd.). Sage.
- Mogavero, M. C., & Hsu, K.-H. (2020). Dating and courtship behaviors among those with autism spectrum disorder. Sexuality & Disability, 38(2), 355–364. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09565-8
- Moore, I., Morgan, G., Welham, A., & Russell, G. (2022). The intersection of autism and gender in the negotiation of identity: A systematic review and metasynthesis. Feminisme & Psychology, 32(4), 421–442. https://doi.org/10.1177/09593535221074806
- Monk, R., Whitehouse, A. J. O., & Waddington, H. (2022). The use of language in autism research. Trends in Neurosciences, 45(11), 791–793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2022.08.009
- Muraškaitė, I., & Žardeckaitė-Matulaitienė, K. (2024). The effect of autism phenotype and diagnosis disclosure on students’ desire for social distance from autistic peers. Autism, 28(10), 2478–2488. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241230128
- Nichols, S., & Blakeley-Smith, A. (2009) “I'm not sure we're ready for this …”: Working with families toward facilitating healthy sexuality for individuals with autism spectrum disorders. Social Work in Mental Health, 8(1), 72–91. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332980902932383
- Paillé, P., & Mucchielli, A. (2016). L'Analyse qualitative en sciences humaines et sociales. Armand Colin. https://doi.org/10.3917/arco.paill.2012.01.
- Parchomiuk, M. (2019). Sexuality of persons with autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Sexuality and Disability, 37(2), 259–274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-018-9534-z
- Park, I., Gong, J., Lyons, G. L., Hirota, T., Takahashi, M., Kim, B., Lee, S. Y., Kim, Y. S., Lee, J., & Leventhal, B. L. (2020). Prevalence of and factors associated with school bullying in students with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-cultural meta-analysis. Yonsei Medical Journal, 61(11), 909–922. https://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2020.61.11.909
- Pecora, L. A., Hooley, M., Sperry, L., Mesibov, G. B., & Stokes, M. A. (2020). Sexuality and gender issues in individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 29(3), 543–556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2020.02.007
- Pecora, L. A., Mesibov, G. B., & Stokes, M. A. (2016). Sexuality in high-functioning autism: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(11), 3519–3556. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-016-2892-4
- Pellicano, E., & den Houting, J. (2022). Annual research review: Shifting from “normal science” to neurodiversity in autism science. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(4), 381–396. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13534
- Poulin, M.-H., Bussières, È.-L., Fecteau, S., McKinnon, S., Ndengeyingoma, A., Hénault, I., & Matteau, S. (2023). Portrait des enjeux liés à l’épanouissement sexuel des jeunes présentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme : besoins, soutien et défis. Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue. https://frq.gouv.qc.ca/app/uploads/2021/05/mh.poulin_rapport_epanouissement-sexuel_tsa.pdf
- Rea, H. M., Øien, R. A., Webb, S. J., Bansal, S., Strang, & J. F., Nordahl-Hansen, A. (2024) Gender diversity, gender dysphoria/incongruence, and the intersection with autism spectrum disorders: An updated scoping review. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 56(4), 1606–1657. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-024-06650-6
- Sala, G., Hooley, M., & Stokes, M. A. (2020). Romantic intimacy in autism: A qualitative analysis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(11), 4133–4147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04377-8
- Semprevivo, L. K. (2021) Dating and sexual violence victimization among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and questioning youth: Considering the importance of gender and sexual orientation, Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma, 30(5), 662–678, https://doi.org/10.1080/10926771.2020.1832175
- Sevlever, M., Roth, M. E., & Gillis, J. M. (2013). Sexual abuse and offending in autism spectrum disorders. Sexuality and Disability, 31(2), 189–200. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-013-9286-8
- Strunz, S., Schermuck, C., Ballerstein, S., Ahlers, C. J., Dziobek, I., & Roepke, S. (2017). Romantic relationships and relationship satisfaction among adults with Asperger syndrome and high‐functioning autism. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22319
- Teti, M., Cheak-Zamora, N., Bauerband, L. A., & Maurer-Batjer, A. (2019). A qualitative comparison of caregiver and youth with autism perceptions of sexuality and relationship experiences. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, 40(1), 12–19. https://doi.org/10.1097/DBP.0000000000000620
- Tullis, C. A., & Zangrillo, A. N. (2013). Sexuality education for adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Psychology in the Schools, 50(9), 866–875. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.21713
- Turner, D., Briken, P., & Schöttle, D. (2019). Sexual dysfunctions and their association with the dual control model of sexual response in men and women with high-functioning autism. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(4), Article 425. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm8040425
- Warner, S., Barger, M., & McCary, L. M. (2022). Individualized sexuality education for people with autism spectrum disorder. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 57(4), 359–370. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27236577
- Weiss, J. A., & Fardella, M. A. (2018). Victimization and perpetration experiences of adults with autism. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, Article 203. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00203
- Wheeler, K., Favela, A., Hamrick, J., Dillard, M., Marzban, F., & Banda, D. (2023). A pilot program for teaching sexuality and relationships to adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disabilities. Prépublication. https://doi.org/10.1177/17446295231225520
- Yew, R. Y., Samuel, P., Hooley, M., Mesibov, G. B., & Stokes, M. A. (2021). A systematic review of romantic relationship initiation and maintenance factors in autism. Personal Relationships, 28(4), 777–802. https://doi.org/10.1111/pere.12397