Affectivity, sexuality, and autism spectrum disorder: qualitative analysis of the experiences of autistic young adults and their families
Por:
Torralbas-Ortega, J, Roca, J, Coelho-Martinho, R, Orozko, Z, Sanromà-Ortiz, M, Valls-Ibáñez, V
Publicada:
17 nov 2023
Resumen:
BackgroundAutistic people have communication, sensorial, and social difficulties, which on many occasions, make their adaptation on the sexual and affective levels difficult. For this reason, it is important to know the opinion of individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their families, to offer this perspective to professionals to facilitate adapted health education programs in mental health units.MethodsThis qualitative descriptive design presents the experiences of autistic individuals and their families in relation to the affective-sexual experiences from individual, family, and social perspectives. Two focus group sessions were held with eight family members and seven individual semi-structured interviews with autistic young adults. The transcripts were qualitatively analysed using content analysis.ResultsFour themes (Family and social dynamic; Social behaviour of the autistic individual; Affective-sexual relationships; Addressing affective and sex education) and 13 related categories emerged from these results. Communication and social interaction problems act as barriers for young adults when developing affective-sexual relationships, leading to the emergence of negative feelings and experiences that reinforce avoidance behaviours, further intensifying their difficulties in interacting with others. Families, especially mothers, exhibit a poor perception of their ability to provide affective-sexual guidance, leading to anxiety and frustration. There are also reports of poor sex education and lack of support systems.Conclusions and implications for practiceThe experiences of young people and their families are sometimes conflicting when it comes to affectivity and sexuality, but the parental role emerges as relevant in the sex education process. Families play a pivotal role in sex education, which is why professionals should provide them with support and information through health education programmes, foster empathetic communication and promote sexual and emotional development that is adapted to the characteristics and interests of autistic people.
Filiaciones:
Torralbas-Ortega, J:
Hosp Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona 08041, Spain
Res Inst Sant Pau IIB SANT PAU, Nursing Care Res Grp, Barcelona 08041, Spain
Roca, J:
Univ Lleida, Fac Nursing & Physiotherapy, Dept Nursing & Physiotherapy & Hlth Educ, Nursing Sustainabil & Innovat Res Grp GREISI, Lleida 25199, Spain
Biomed Res Inst Lleida, Hlth Care Res Grp GRECS, Lleida 25198, Spain
Coelho-Martinho, R:
Nostra Senyora Meritxell Hosp, Dept Mental Hlth Nursing, Escaldes Engordany AD700, Andorra
Orozko, Z:
Consorci Hosp Vic, Osona Salut Mental, Vic 08500, Spain
Sanromà-Ortiz, M:
Ramon Llull Univ, Blanquerna Sch Hlth Sci, Barcelona 08025, Spain
Univ Lleida, Dept Nursing & Physiotherapy, Campus Igualada, Lleida 08700, Spain
Valls-Ibáñez, V:
Catalan Hlth Inst, Hlth Ctr Serra, Sabadell 08208, Spain
Green Published, gold, All Open Access; Gold Open Access; Green Open Access
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