Atypical Asexuality
Published in NCCA Newsletter, Fall 2022
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) entails characteristics making many aspects of daily life challenging. Among these, sexual expression and intimacy are significant influences on mental and emotional health. New research is now linking ASD with asexuality and looking at how ASD can affect intimate relationships. A person is asexual when he or she has an ongoing lack of sexual attraction regardless of the other person’s gender (Attanasio et al., 2021). Whereas most people experience sexual attraction to others as a result of visual or physical stimulation, an asexual person does not. Additionally, asexuals experience a clear distinction between romantic attraction and sexual attraction (Attanasio et al., 2021). However, this does not mean asexuals do not engage in intimate relationships (Attanasio et al., 2021). While aromantic asexuals do not have romantic attractions to others, romantic aseuxals do, but it is independent of a sexual attraction (Attanasio et al., 2021). The hypothesis is an asexual spectrum correlates to individuals with certain psychopathological conditions, such as ASD (Attanasio et al., 2021). It is also unclear if the symptoms caused by ASD, particularly the social and interpersonal difficulties, are what contribute to asexuality (Attanasio et al., 2021).
Research is slowly emerging, showing the significance of ASD and asexuality. A study conducted by Dewinter et al. (2017) suggests there could be a genetic link between ASD and asexuality, such as antenatal testosterone exposure, but additional studies are needed. Lewis et al. (2020) completed a study to learn more about sexually mature minorities diagnosed with ASD. They found these individuals had sensory processing issues that affected sexual interest, trouble with sexual identification, feelings of isolation, and trouble expressing sexual desires (Lewis et al., 2020). Ronis et al. (2021) were curious to see how ASD affects sexual and romantic attraction as well as experience; unfortunately, their findings were inconclusive. The researchers note the limitations resulted from using open-ended questions regarding which sexuality each person was, and not determining the reason behind their response (Ronis et al., 2021). Another limitation resulted from the researchers defining asexuality in strict terms, rather than employing it as a broader term with more nuanced definitions (Ronis et al., 2021). The research is contradictory and inconclusive as to whether there is a causal link between ASD and asexuality resulting from the social and context issues associated with ASD. Counselors may struggle knowing where to begin, since there are two areas for attention: 1) treating ASD itself and 2) treating a client who is struggling to have a romantic or sexual relationship. Lewis et al. (2020) notes that sensory processing issues and social stressors could play a part in why individuals with autism are asexual. According to some participants in the study, genitals are repulsive, the act of sex itself is disgusting, they are hypersensitive to touch, or have concerns regarding hygiene (Lewis et al., 2020). In these cases, research has determined that cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in helping individuals overcome fears related to germs and hygiene (Laforest et al., 2016).
In addition to this approach, virtual reality therapy can also aid in overcoming mysophobia and sensory processing issues (Laforest et al., 2016; Rossi et al., 2019). Lewis et al. (2020) found participants had trouble identifying with a sexual orientation. Research suggested this was due to the participants having had no sexual experiences, no chance for it to happen had occurred, nor did they have a desire to engage in sexual activities (Lewis et al., 2020). Whenever this becomes a concern for individuals who have autism and are asexual, counselors can provide information that may be helpful. American Psychological Association (2022) provides resources to help individuals learn about sexual orientation. ASD and asexuality have been theorized to be closely associated, but research is still inconclusive. Perhaps the symptoms of ASD, such as social issues and sensory processing issues, contribute more to asexuality than autism itself; for now, more research is needed. Clients with ASD who identify as asexual will benefit from counselors who can help them learn ways to express themselves sexually.
References
American Psychological Association. (2022). Sexual orientation and gender. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/sexual-orientation
Attanasio, M., Masedu, F., Quattrini, F., Pino, M. C., Vagnetti, R., Valenti, M., & Mazza, M. (2021). Are autism spectrum disorder and asexuality connected? Archives of Sexual Behavior, 51, 2091-2115. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-02177-4
Brotto, L. A., & Milani, S. (in press). Asexuality: When sexual attraction is lacking. In D. P. VanderLaan & W. I. Wong (Eds.), Gender and sexuality development: Contemporary theory and research. Springer. Dewinter, J., De Graaf, H., & Begeer, S. (2017). Sexual orientation, gender identity, and romantic relationships in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47, 2927–2934. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/ s10803-017-3199-9
Laforest, M., Bouchard, S., Bossé, J., & Mesly, O. (2016). Effectiveness of in virtuo exposure and response prevention treatment using cognitive-behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A study based on a single-case study protocol. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 7,(99), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00099
Lewis, L. F., Ward, C., Jarvis, N., & Cawley, E. (2020). “Straight sex is complicated enough!”: The lived experiences of autistics who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, asexual, or other sexual orientations. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(7), 2324- 2337.
Ronis, S. T., Byers, E. S., Brotto, L. A., & Nichols, S. (2021). Beyond the label: Asexual identity among individuals on the high-functioning autism spectrum. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50(8), 3831-3842. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s10508-021-01969-y
Rossi, H., Prates, R., Santos, S., & Ferreira, R. (2019). Development of a virtual realitybased game approach for supporting sensory processing disorders treatment. Information, 10(5), 177. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/info10050177