Short report: Recommendations for education, clinical practice, research, and policy on promoting well-being in autistic youth and adults through a positive focus on sexuality and gender diversity

This short report presents recommendations to promote health and well-being relating to sexuality and gender diversity in autistic individuals. The recommendations were developed based on the latest available scientific knowledge coupled with a community-driven approach. An international group of autistic and non-autistic experts in the fields of autism, sexuality, and gender diversity and autistic advocates worked together to develop the initial recommendations; these recommendations were subsequently checked within the wider community through an online survey. Out of the original 11 recommendations, eight were rated above a consensus threshold. The final recommendations cover three themes: (1) providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity to autistic individuals and their families; (2) improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization; and (3) meaningful inclusion of the autism community in future research that addresses well-being related to sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity. The recommendations emphasize the need for additional awareness and offer cues to parents, professionals, and policymakers to promote sexual health and well-being of autistic individuals. Lay Abstract: In this article, we propose recommendations on what we can do to promote that autistic people can enjoy their sexuality and gender identity, because that contributes to overall well-being. First, we briefly summarize the existing research on sexuality and gender diversity in autistic individuals. Next, we propose recommendations for how to promote sexual and gender diversity-related health and well-being. Based on what is known about sexuality, gender diversity, and relationships in autistic adolescents and adults, we convened an international group of autistic and non-autistic researchers, advocate