Broad Autism Phenotypic Traits and the Relationship to Sexual Orientation and Sexual Behavior.

The team asked adults without autism to fill out two forms. One form measured broad autism phenotype traits. The other asked about sexual attraction.

They wanted to know if people with more autism-like traits also report more same-sex attraction.

Adults who scored higher on BAP traits were slightly more likely to feel same-sex attraction. The link was small but clear.

The pattern held for both men and women.

Stevens et al. (2018) ran a near-copy study the same year. They also found that neurotypical adults with more autistic traits were more likely to pick bisexual or "none of the above" labels. Together the papers show the link is real.

Cohen et al. (2018) looked at diagnosed autistic adults instead of BAP traits. About 70% identified as non-heterosexual versus 30% of typical peers. The direction matches, but the effect is much larger in the diagnosed group.

George et al. (2018) added a twist: gender-dysphoric feelings explained part of the pathway between autistic traits and sexual orientation. The target study did not measure gender identity, so Rita's work extends the story.

If you give the BAPQ to parents or typical clients, expect a small chance of diverse sexual orientation. Do not assume heterosexuality when you plan social-skills or sex-ed lessons. Ask open questions and use inclusive language.