Sexuality, romance and being autistic: learning from the experience and needs of adolescents and adults

SIG Leader: Jeroen Dewinter SIG Co-Leader: Anna van der Miesen Sexuality and intimate relationships strongly relate to general well-being. Most autistic adolescents and adults either desire these or experience them, and report finding them both rewarding and sometimes challenging. However, compared to the general population, patterns in attraction, sexual interest, and gender roles display greater diversity, with unconventional interest and behaviours being manifested in some. These complex issues remain understudied and are relevant for education and support. This SIG aims to discuss research and support priorities for and with autistic people, researchers and professionals.