Sexual behavior in high-functioning male adolescents and young adults with autism spectrum disorder.

The team asked staff in group homes about the sex lives of high-functioning autistic males. The males were teens and young adults living in residential care.

Staff filled out a survey. They reported who showed interest, who masturbated, who dated, and who had sex.

Almost all the young men showed sexual interest and masturbated. About half had dated someone. Very few had intercourse.

Some men also showed odd or repeated sexual acts. The study says to screen about one in three for extra sex-ed.

McMillan et al. (1997) saw the same pattern in older adults ten years earlier. Masturbation was still the main act. The new data simply give finer detail for a younger age band.

García-López et al. (2016) paints a darker picture. Parents there said autistic teens lag far behind peers with Down syndrome in every sex domain. The two studies seem to clash, but they do not. Cristina used parent report; Hans used staff report. Parents often see less skill than paid carers who watch daily routines.

Holmes et al. (2019) and Riches et al. (2016) show parents rarely use visuals or skills teaching. Hans gives the reason: staff already see sexual behavior, so programs must move past denial and start active teaching.

If you serve older teens or adults in residential care, expect sexual behavior. Do not wait for a problem. Screen one in three for targeted sex-ed. Add lessons on privacy, dating rules, and safe sex. Pair rules with visual cues and role play. This cuts risk and boosts dignity.