Intimacy & ASD / ADHD
Relevant Research
Sexual Well-Being and Quality of Life Among High-Functioning Adults with Autism
Intimate relationships among high-functioning adults with autism may improve social belonging and sexual well-being, but not satisfaction.
​
Pearlman-Avnion, S., Cohen, N., & Eldan, A. (2017). Sexual Well-Being and Quality of Life Among High-Functioning Adults with Autism. Sexuality and Disability, 35, 279-293. https://doi.org/10.1007/S11195-017-9490-Z.
Autistic women’s experience of intimate relationships: the impact of an adult diagnosis
Adult women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience unique challenges in intimate relationships, highlighting the need for support and understanding.
​
​Kock, E., Strydom, A., O'Brady, D., & Tantam, D. (2019). Autistic women’s experience of intimate relationships: the impact of an adult diagnosis. Advances in Autism. https://doi.org/10.1108/AIA-09-2018-0035.
Life With a Partner with ADHD: The Moderating Role of Intimacy
Being married to a spouse with ADHD leads to significantly lower intimacy and marital satisfaction compared to spouses of individuals without ADHD.
​
Ben-Naim, S., Marom, I., Krashin, M., Gifter, B., & Arad, K. (2017). Life With a Partner with ADHD: The Moderating Role of Intimacy. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 26, 1365-1373. https://doi.org/10.1007/S10826-016-0653-9.
Sexual Orientation in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Non-heterosexuality is more prevalent in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), suggesting a need for specialized sex education programs for increased support and awareness.
​
​George, R., & Stokes, M. (2018). Sexual Orientation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Research, 11. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1892.
Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey
ADHD individuals engage in riskier sexual behaviors, with females experiencing greater risk, and both sexes engaging in risky sexual behaviors, but the risk is significantly greater for females with ADHD.
​
​Young, S., Klassen, L., Reitmeier, S., Matheson, J., & Gudjonsson, G. (2023). Let’s Talk about Sex… and ADHD: Findings from an Anonymous Online Survey. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032037.
Effects of adult ADHD on intimate partnerships
Adult ADHD can cause relationship difficulties and increase the likelihood of divorce, but there are also positive aspects for individuals and partnerships.
​
​Huynh-Hohnbaum, A., & Benowitz, S. (2022). Effects of adult ADHD on intimate partnerships. Journal of Family Social Work, 25, 169 - 184. https://doi.org/10.1080/10522158.2023.2165585.