“Det spelar ingen roll hur vi njuter, det viktiga är att vi njuter” : Autisters upplevelser av sin sexualitet

Sexuality is an integral part of being human, influencing quality of life and mental health. This also applies to the autistic population. Research has thus far indicated that individuals with autism are more likely to identify with non-normative sexual orientations and gender identities, and that communicative and sensory difficulties can affect sexual expression. However, other aspects remain relatively unexplored, and there is a lack of research based on firsthand information. Therefore, the aim of this study was to qualitatively explore the sexual experiences of adults with autism. Adults over the age of 18 with a formal autism diagnosis or self-identified autism were recruited for the study. Recruitment was conducted through an online recruitment form, and participant selection was balanced based on gender. Semi-structured interviews with 10 participants were analyzed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. The analysis resulted in four main themes — Following one’s own path, The importance of clear communication, Processing the external world, and Paths to sexual well-being—along with nine subthemes. The results demonstrated how autistic functioning and norm-breaking could be both a strength and a barrier, depending on context. A variety of emerging strategies for navigating these experiences was also presented. The study's findings highlight that sexuality is an important and multifaceted aspect for individuals with autism and underscore the need for expanded and accessible knowledge on the subject, for both autistic individuals, their families, clinicians and the general public. Further research should investigate autistic individuals' desires for support regarding sexual well-being.