30527
Sensory Processing and Autistic Experiences of Sex and Relationships
Autistic individuals often process sensory information differently than neurotypical people. Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing is commonly used to understand sensory processing and outlines four main types of processing differences including sensory sensitivity, sensory avoiding, low registration, and sensation seeking. Sensory processing plays a critical role in many life roles and activities, including sexuality and dating. However, prior research on sexuality and relationships for autistic people has focused on social communication aspects, with limited research and understanding about the effects of sensory processing. This study addressed this gap by considering both positive and negative effects of sensory processing on sexuality, and how autistic people address these experiences.
Objectives:
To understand autistic sexuality and relationship experiences as related to sensory processing.
Methods:
Two methodological approaches were used to address the research objective. First was qualitative analysis of publicly-available narratives from autistic adults including books by autistic authors, quotes attributed to other autistic adults in those books, movies, and online forums. Second was qualitative analysis of open-ended responses from 59 autistic adults on an online survey about sexuality and relationship experiences. Text segments related to sensory experiences and sexual activity or romantic experiences were retained for analysis. Qualitative thematic analyses included deductive theoretical coding using Dunn’s Model of Sensory Processing. Inductive coding was also used to generate additional themes from the text data. Multiple approaches were used to strengthen trustworthiness of the analyses and results including investigator triangulation, data triangulation, an audit trail, and researcher reflexivity.
Results:
Identified narratives written by self-identified autistic adults revealed that some perceive sensory processing as influencing their experiences of sexuality and romantic relationships. Some of the experiences were described as beneficial or positive, while many others were uncomfortable or negative. All four of Dunn’s sensory patterns were observed in the narratives, with sensory avoiding being the most frequently identified pattern. Individuals described a variety of ways of addressing negative experiences including avoiding physical contact or dating, increased communication with partners, and various adaptations. Some individuals indicated that intense or overwhelming sensory experiences decreased or altered their desire, ability, or willingness to participate in partnered sexual activity or other relationship-related activities (e.g., going on dates in traditional noisy or crowded settings, cohabitating). On the other hand, some participants discussed positive sensory experiences as a benefit of being autistic.
Conclusions:
Sexuality and relationships provide opportunities for connection and fulfillment, and are important factors in adult health and well-being. The results of this study suggest that sensory processing plays an important role in these experiences for many autistic adults. Some of these experiences are positive—warranting no intervention. Other sensory experiences may be limiting individuals’ desired relationships—warranting support. Understanding autistic experiences of sexuality and relationships can inform self-advocacy, education, resources, and/or services to support autistic people in the pursuit of healthy and fulfilling sexual experiences and romantic relationships.