1. 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
- Author
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Jeroen Dewinter, Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Maria L. Massolo, Reid Caplan, Els Van Beneden, Nikki Brörmann, Eileen T. Crehan, Lisa A. Croen, Susan Faja, Dena L. Gassner, Laura Graham Holmes, Cat Hughes, Morrigan Hunter, Monique Huysamen, Paola Jelonche, Meng-Chuan Lai, Ilse Noens, Heta Pukki, Mark A. Stokes, John F. Strang, and Anna I. R. van der Miesen
- Abstract
This short report presents recommendations to promote health and well-being relating to sexuality and gender diversity in autistic individuals. The recommendations were developed based on the latest available scientific knowledge coupled with a community-driven approach. An international group of autistic and non-autistic experts in the fields of autism, sexuality, and gender diversity and autistic advocates worked together to develop the initial recommendations; these recommendations were subsequently checked within the wider community through an online survey. Out of the original 11 recommendations, eight were rated above a consensus threshold. The final recommendations cover three themes: (1) providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity to autistic individuals and their families; (2) improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization; and (3) meaningful inclusion of the autism community in future research that addresses well-being related to sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity. The recommendations emphasize the need for additional awareness and offer cues to parents, professionals, and policymakers to promote sexual health and well-being of autistic individuals.
- Published
- 2024
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