Romantic Intimacy in Autism: A Qualitative Analysis
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ORIGINAL PAPER
Romantic Intimacy in Autism: A Qualitative Analysis Giorgia Sala1 · Merrilyn Hooley1 · Mark A. Stokes1
© Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Although autistic people have difficulties with social-emotional reciprocity, most still desire intimate romantic relationships. This study sought to identify enablers and barriers to emotional and physical intimacy for Autistic (n = 31) and non-autistic (n = 26) individuals. All participants completed an online survey including demographic information, the Autism Spectrum Quotient and questions on intimacy which were subject to thematic analysis. Enablers of intimacy for both groups included communication, sharing and similarity, respect and safety for self and other, and working on the relationship. Barriers for both groups included intra- and interpersonal conflicts; autistic people specifically highlighted uncertainty about relationships and communication. These findings suggest autistic and non-autistic people have similar notions of intimacy, yet have different challenges in experiencing it. Keywords Autism · Intimacy · Relationships · Sexuality · Australia
Research in Sexuality and Autism: Key Assumptions of Previous Literature Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition persisting through the lifespan; approximately 1 in 59 individuals is diagnosed with an ASD according to recent estimates (Baio et al. 2018). ASD is characterised by difficulties with social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, and restricted or repetitive behaviours, interests or activities (American Psychiatric Association 2013). Identity-first language is currently preferred to denote individuals diagnosed with an ASD by many self-advocates (Kenny et al. 2016). The term “autistic individuals” will be used where appropriate; those without a diagnosis of ASD or other neurodiverse condition will be referred to as neurotypical. Perspectives on sexuality and romantic relationships within ASD have varied considerably. Bertilsdotter Rosqvist (2014) described the prominent discourses within this literature as pertaining to ‘asexuality’, deficits’, ‘sexual-education’ and ‘difference’. Prior to the 1990s, little evidence existed on sexuality and autism as social difficulties inherent to ASD * Mark A. Stokes [email protected] 1
School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Hwy, Burwood, VIC 3125, Australia
were seen to preclude meaningful sexual and intimate relationships (e.g., Torisky and Torisky 1985). Theories of asexuality were prominent, resulting in debates about the propriety of sexual education for autistic people (Van Bourgondien et al. 1997). Early research on this topic in the 1990s showed that many autistic people indeed displayed sexual behaviours and interests (Konstantareas and Lunsky 1997; Ousley and Mesibov 1991; Realmuto and Ruble 1999). While this early work established a platform to examine sexuality and autism, it was characterised by sev
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