Sexuality Interventions and Autism: A Systematic Review

Maroney, M. R., Graham Holmes, L., Desruisseaux, J., Pantalone, D. W., & Faja, S. (2026). Sexuality Interventions and Autism: A Systematic Review. Current Developmental Disorders Reports, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-026-00351-8

Publication date: 24 Apr 2026 Added to AutiHub: 9 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
5
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 5 (20.0%)

Abstract

No structured abstract stored for this reference.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
61
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 61 (6.6%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
10 / 263 (3.8%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 10 / 79 (12.7%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 7 / 222 (3.2%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
79 / 263 (30.0%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 50 / 222 (22.5%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
69 / 79 (87.3%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 69 / 263 (26.2%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 43 / 50 (86.0%).
  1. Jessica Penwell Barnett , Eleanor Maticka‐Tyndale (2015). Qualitative Exploration of Sexual Experiences Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum: Implications for Sex Education . Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health, 47(4), 171-179. Guttmacher Institute.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1363/47e5715 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1918492303
    Crossref OpenAlex
  2. Sandra Strunz , Constanze Schermuck , Sarah Ballerstein , Christoph J. Ahlers , Isabel Dziobek , Stefan Roepke (2017). Romantic Relationships and Relationship Satisfaction Among Adults With Asperger Syndrome and High‐Functioning Autism . Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 113-125. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  3. Virginia Braun , Victoria Clarke (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology . Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77-101. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  4. Emily F. Rothman , Sam Heller , Laura Graham Holmes (2023). Sexual, physical, and emotional aggression, experienced by autistic vs. non-autistic U.S. college students . Journal of American College Health, 71(9), 2786-2794. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  5. Linda P. Dekker , Esther J. M. van der Vegt , Kirsten Visser , Nouchka Tick , Frieda Boudesteijn , Frank C. Verhulst et al. (2015). Improving Psychosexual Knowledge in Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Pilot of the Tackling Teenage Training Program . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 45(6), 1532-1540. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  6. Lesley S. Klett , Yasemin Turan (2012). Generalized Effects of Social Stories with Task Analysis for Teaching Menstrual Care to Three Young Girls with Autism . Sexuality and Disability, 30(3), 319-336. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  7. Janey E. Dike , Elizabeth A. DeLucia , Olivia Semones , Theresa Andrzejewski , Christina G. McDonnell (2023). A Systematic Review of Sexual Violence Among Autistic Individuals . Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 10(3), 576-594. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  8. Michelle S. Ballan (2012). Parental Perspectives of Communication about Sexuality in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 42(5), 676-684. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  9. Laura A. Pecora , Gary B. Mesibov , Mark A. Stokes (2016). Sexuality in High-Functioning Autism: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(11), 3519-3556. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  10. Karen M. Ward , Julie P. Atkinson , Curtis A. Smith , Richard Windsor (2013). A Friendships and Dating Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Formative Evaluation . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 51(1), 22-32. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  11. S. M. Brown-Lavoie , M. A. Viecili , Jonathan A. Weiss (2014). Sexual Knowledge and Victimization in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(9), 2185-2196. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  12. Esther Miedema , Marielle L J Le Mat , Frances Hague (2020). But is it Comprehensive? Unpacking the ‘comprehensive’ in comprehensive sexuality education . Health Education Journal, 79(7), 747-762. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  13. Laura L. Corona , Stephanie A. Fox , Kristin V. Christodulu , Jane Ann Worlock (2016). Providing Education on Sexuality and Relationships to Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Parents . Sexuality and Disability, 34(2), 199-214. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  14. Jeffrey L. Hurst , Laura Widman , Julia Brasileiro , Anne J. Maheux , Reina Evans-Paulson , Sophia Choukas-Bradley (2024). Parents’ attitudes towards the content of sex education in the USA: Associations with religiosity and political orientation . Sex Education, 24(1), 108-124. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  15. Liza Pask , Tammy L. Hughes , Lawrence R. Sutton (2016). Sexual knowledge acquisition and retention for individuals with autism . International Journal of School & Educational Psychology, 4(2), 86-94. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  16. Andrea Waling , Roz Bellamy , Paulina Ezer , Lucille Kerr , Jayne Lucke , Christopher Fisher (2020). ‘It’s kinda bad, honestly’: Australian students’ experiences of relationships and sexuality education . Health Education Research, 35(6), 538-552. Oxford University Press (OUP).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  17. Laura Graham Holmes , Michael B. Himle , Kelsey K. Sewell , Paul S. Carbone , Donald S. Strassberg , Nancy A. Murphy (2014). Addressing Sexuality in Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders . Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 35(3), 172-178. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  18. EF Rothman (2024). Rothman EF, Campbell JK, Rahimian AN, Frieson TM, Moslander DE, Richardson VE, et al. My sex Ed teacher was extremely averse to talking about sex: Massachusetts students’ experiences with and recommendations for sex education. Am J Sex Educ. 2024;19(3):265–79. Am J Sex Educ, 19(3), 265.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  19. Scott T. Ronis , E. Sandra Byers , Lori A. Brotto , Shana Nichols (2021). Beyond the Label: Asexual Identity Among Individuals on the High-Functioning Autism Spectrum . Archives of Sexual Behavior, 50(8), 3831-3842. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  20. Juan Bornman , Liezel Rathbone (2016). A Sexuality and Relationship Training Program for Women with Intellectual Disabilities: A Social Story Approach . Sexuality and Disability, 34(3), 269-288. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  21. Anh M. Ngo , Abigail Donaghue , Kayla H. Weng , Eileen T. Crehan (2025). Barriers and Facilitators for Addressing Sex Education for Autistic Individuals: A Systematic Review . The Journal of Special Education, 59(2), 71-80. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  22. (n.d.). Sharma A, Pantalone DW, Kohn B, Pereida ET, Nadwodny N, Faja S. Perceptions of individuals with autism spectrum disorder on how health care providers address sexual health [Internet]. Available from: www.jdbp.org.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  23. Alexandra Cunningham , Len Sperry , Michael P. Brady , Paul R. Peluso , Rachel E. Pauletti (2016). The Effects of a Romantic Relationship Treatment Option for Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder . Counseling Outcome Research and Evaluation, 7(2), 99-110. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  24. Kirsten Visser , Kirstin Greaves‐Lord , Nouchka T. Tick , Frank C. Verhulst , Athanasios Maras , Esther J.M. van der Vegt (2017). A randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of the Tackling Teenage psychosexual training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(7), 840-850. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  25. Cara E. Pugliese , Allison B. Ratto , Yael Granader , Katerina M Dudley , Amanda Bowen , Cynthia Baker et al. (2020). Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a parent-mediated sexual education curriculum for youth with autism spectrum disorders . Autism, 24(1), 64-79. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  26. Brooke H. Kohn , Paige Vidal , Rachael Chiao , David W. Pantalone , Susan Faja (2023). Sexual Knowledge, Experiences, and Pragmatic Language in Adults With and Without Autism: Implications for Sex Education . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(10), 3770-3786. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  27. Giorgia Sala , Merrilyn Hooley , Tony Attwood , Gary B. Mesibov , Mark A. Stokes (2019). Autism and Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review of Sexuality and Relationship Education . Sexuality and Disability, 37(3), 353-382. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  28. Aanchal Sharma , David W. Pantalone , Brooke Kohn , Erin T. Pereida , Nicole Nadwodny , Susan Faja (2024). Perceptions of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder on How Health Care Providers Address Sexual Health . Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 45(5), e406-e413. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  29. Dasha Solomon , David W. Pantalone , Susan Faja (2019). Autism and Adult Sex Education: A Literature Review Using the Information–Motivation–Behavioral Skills Framework . Sexuality and Disability, 37(3), 339-351. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  30. Laura Graham Holmes , Jessica E. Rast , Anne M. Roux , Emily F. Rothman (2022). Reproductive Health and Substance Use Education for Autistic Youth . Pediatrics, 149(Supplement 4), e2020049437T. American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  31. Georgios Gkogkos , Maria Staveri , Petros Galanis , Angeliki Gena (2021). Sexual Education: A Case Study of an Adolescent with a Diagnosis of Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified and Intellectual Disability . Sexuality and Disability, 39(2), 439-453. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  32. Laura Graham Holmes , Paul Shattuck , A. Renee Nilssen , Donald S. Strassberg , Michael B. Himle (2020). Sexual and Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Sexuality for Teens on the Autism Spectrum . Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 41(9), 667-679. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health).
    Crossref OpenAlex
  33. (n.d.). Kohn B, Pereida E, Solomon D, Boyd T, Faja SK, Pantalone DW. Dating and sexual experiences of autistic young adults: It takes a village to plan a first date. Autism in Adulthood.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  34. Christopher L. Neu , Angela B. Bradford (2025). Autism in romantic relationships: A content analysis of challenges and strengths (2013–2024) . Journal of Family Theory & Review, 17(3), 600-635. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  35. Emily F. Rothman , Megan Bair-Merritt , Sarabeth Broder‐Fingert (2021). A Feasibility Test of an Online Class to Prevent Dating Violence for Autistic Youth: a Brief Report . Journal of Family Violence, 36(4), 503-509. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  36. Peter F. Gerhardt , Jessica Cauchi , Amy Gravino (2022). Sexuality and Sexuality Education with Individuals with Autism: What You Should Know But Probably Don’t . In Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (pp. 417-429). Springer International Publishing.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  37. Eva S. Goldfarb , Lisa D. Lieberman (2021). Three Decades of Research: The Case for Comprehensive Sex Education . Journal of Adolescent Health, 68(1), 13-27. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  38. Verónica Estruch-García , María Dolores Gil-Llario , Estefanía Ruiz-Palomino , Olga Fernández-García , Vicente Morell-Mengual , Zélia Ferreira Caçador Anastácio (2025). Correction: Systematic Integrative Review: Sex Education for People with Autism Spectrum Disorder . Sexuality and Disability, 43(1). Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  39. Laura Graham Holmes , A. Renee Nilssen , Deanna Cann , Donald S. Strassberg (2021). A sex-positive mixed methods approach to sexting experiences among college students . Computers in Human Behavior, 115, 106619. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  40. Iva Strnadová , Joanne Danker , Allison Carter (2022). Scoping review on sex education for high school-aged students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum: parents’, teachers’ and students’ perspectives, attitudes and experiences . Sex Education, 22(3), 361-378. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  41. Matthew J Page , Joanne E McKenzie , Patrick M Bossuyt , Isabelle Boutron , Tammy C Hoffmann , Cynthia D Mulrow et al. (2021). Updating guidance for reporting systematic reviews: development of the PRISMA 2020 statement . Journal of Clinical Epidemiology, 134, 103-112. Elsevier BV.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  42. (n.d.). Southby M, Afsharnejad B, Milbourn B, Lawson W, Bölte S, Girdler S. Know me, see me, hear me: a scoping review of the attitudes and approaches to relationships and sexuality education for autistic individuals and their families. https://www.liebertpub.com
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  43. (n.d.). National sex education standards core content and skills. K-12 second edition.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  44. T Brandsma , K Visser , J.J.G Volk , A Balleur van Rijn , L.P Dekker (2024). A Pilot Study on the Effect of Peer Support on Quality of Life of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(3), 997-1008. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  45. Mariana Garcia Torres , Sandy Magaña , Fabricio Balcazar (2024). Brief report: Evaluation of an adapted youth version of Parents Taking Action for parents of pre/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder in Colombia . Autism, 28(1), 149-154. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  46. Eileen T. Crehan , Xihan Yang , Simone Dufresne , Jamie Barstein , Laurie Stephens , Linda Dekker et al. (2024). Adapting the Tackling Teenage Training Sex Education Program for Autistic Adults in the US: A Pilot Study . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(6), 2108-2123. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  47. Erin Donnelly , Ee-Lin Chang , Yan Cheng , Jessica Botfield (2023). Evaluation of Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Support Workshops for Parents and Carers of Children and Young People with Intellectual Disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders . Sexuality and Disability, 41(2), 235-253. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  48. Mateusz Płatos , Kinga Wojaczek , Elizabeth A. Laugeson (2024). Fostering Friendship and Dating Skills Among Adults on the Autism Spectrum: A Randomized Controlled Trial of the Polish Version of the PEERS® for Young Adults Curriculum . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 54(6), 2224-2239. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  49. William Picard-Pageau , Ernesto Morales , Marie-Pierre Gagnon , Alicia Ruiz-Rodrigo (2024). Co-Design of an Educational Toolkit on Sexuality for Autistic Adolescents and Young Adults . Sexuality and Disability, 42(1), 149-165. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  50. Lindsey DeVries , Kelly T. Cosgrove , Ilana Hayutin , Christine Dub , Valentina Postorino , Caitlin Middleton (2024). The Birds and Bees: A Pilot Study of a Parent-Led Sexual Health Education Program for Autistic Youth . Sexuality and Disability, 42(4), 881-903. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  51. Katherine Wheeler , Alexis Favela , Jennifer Hamrick , Mary Kathryn Dillard , Fatemeh Marzban , Devender Banda (2026). A Pilot Program for Teaching Sexuality and Relationships to Adults with Autism and Developmental Disabilities . Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 30(1), 3-20. SAGE Publications.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  52. Alison Greene , Mika Baugh , Catherine Sherwood‐Laughlin , Lisa Greathouse , Jordyn Galyan , Ivanka Simić Stanojević et al. (2024). Development of a sexual consent intervention for adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities . Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 37(5), e13272-e13272. Wiley.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  53. Chelsea Temple Jones , Emily L. Murphy (2025). Cripping sex education: reflections on a public pedagogy project . Sex Education, 25(4), 580-596. Informa UK Limited.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  54. (n.d.). Pue Siah C, Ramachandram S. Effectiveness of sexual health training to parents with children of autism spectrum disorder. 2024.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  55. Lauren Hytman , Maya E. Amestoy , Rhiannon Y. Ueberholz , Alexandra J. Fiocco (2025). Cultural Adaptations of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Psychosocial Well-Being in Ethno-Racial Minority Populations: A Systematic Narrative Review . Mindfulness, 16(1), 21-41. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Crossref OpenAlex
  56. (n.d.). Vanderburg J, Sharma A, Armstrong M, Quin E, Pereida ET, Kang DJ, Pantalone D, Faja S. Preliminary feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of the competence in romance and understanding sexual health (CRUSH) curriculum for autistic adults. INSAR. 2025. 2025 May 2.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  57. (n.d.). British Psychological Society. Guidelines for psychologists working with gender, sexuality and relationship diversity [Internet]. [cited 2026 Mar 12]. https://www.bps.org.uk/guideline/guidelines-psychologists-working-gender-sexuality-and-relationship-diversity
    Type: Other
    Crossref