Motamed Mahtab, Hajikarim-Hamedani Arman, Fakhrian Arghavan, Alaghband-Rad Javad
Department of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
BMC Psychiatry. 2025 Apr 22;25(1):410. doi: 10.1186/s12888-025-06836-x.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with significant challenges in sexual experiences, relationships, and victimization. This review consolidates findings to improve understanding of sexual health in ASD.
Following PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (1991-2024) were reviewed. Data were extracted using EndNote 21, focusing on demographics, autism support needs, and sexual behaviors. Methodological quality was assessed using modified Cochrane and Effective Public Health Practice Project tools.
Autistic individuals face unique challenges in romantic and sexual relationships, such as sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties. While they share typical sexual desires, these challenges can complicate their relationships and increase the risk of victimization. The review highlights the need for tailored sexual health education and supportive interventions, particularly for those at higher risk.
This review emphasizes the need for inclusive sexual health interventions for autistic individuals, considering the heterogeneity of ASD and its impact on sexual well-being. Further research should address current gaps, especially regarding non-Western contexts and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities or gender diversity, to improve support and understanding.
自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）会影响社交互动、沟通和行为，在性体验、人际关系和遭受侵害方面存在重大挑战。本综述整合研究结果，以增进对自闭症谱系障碍患者性健康的理解。
按照系统评价与Meta分析的首选报告项目（PRISMA）指南，对来自PubMed、Scopus、科学网和心理学文摘数据库（1991年至2024年）的研究进行了综述。使用EndNote 21提取数据，重点关注人口统计学、自闭症支持需求和性行为。采用改良的Cochrane工具和有效公共卫生实践项目工具评估方法学质量。
自闭症患者在恋爱和性关系中面临独特挑战，如感官敏感和沟通困难。虽然他们有与常人相同的性欲望，但这些挑战会使他们的关系变得复杂，并增加遭受侵害的风险。该综述强调需要提供量身定制的性健康教育和支持性干预措施，特别是针对那些风险较高的人群。
本综述强调需要为自闭症患者提供包容性的性健康干预措施，同时考虑到自闭症谱系障碍的异质性及其对性健康的影响。未来的研究应填补当前的空白，特别是在非西方背景以及同时患有智力残疾或具有性别多样性的个体方面，以改善支持和理解。
