Is Sexual Orientation Diversity Overlooked in Autism Research? Examining If and How Sexual Orientation Is Considered in Australian Autism Research

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

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Michiels, R., Hindes, S., Walsh, M., Molnar, T., Wiblen, H., Bury, S., & Adams, D. (2026). Is Sexual Orientation Diversity Overlooked in Autism Research? Examining If and How Sexual Orientation Is Considered in Australian Autism Research [Preprint]. Center for Open Science. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/z86fu_v1

Publication date: 9 Sep 2026 Added to AutiHub: 23 Sep 2026 Type: Preprint Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) OpenAlex source

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Authors

Publication authors
7
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 7 (14.3%)
  1. Robin Michiels
  2. Sophie Hindes
  3. Megan Walsh *
  4. Timea Molnar
  1. Halle Wiblen
  2. Simon Bury
  3. Dawn Adams

Abstract

Purpose: Sexual orientation is an important aspect of diversity in the Autistic population, yet how and how often it is reported in autism research remains unclear. Methods: This brief report examined the reporting of sexual orientation minority status in Australian autism research published 2023-25. A broader systematic mapping review identified 467 studies reporting data on Australian Autistic people. Of these, only seven (1.5%) reported Autistic people’s sexual orientation minority status. These studies were reviewed in relation to study scope, measurement and reporting practices, and analytic inclusion of sexual orientation. Results: All seven studies related to mental health and/or quality of life, leaving other life domains underexplored. Sexual orientation was reported inconsistently and rarely integrated meaningfully into analysis. Although all studies reported participatory approaches with Autistic people, only one explicitly reported LGBTQIA+ community involvement. Conclusion: Sexual orientation remains underreported and underanalysed in autism research. Recommendations for more transparent, inclusive, and analytically meaningful research practices are provided.

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