Autism Statistics Friendships, Dating, Sex, Marriage [& Related Disorders]

Delve into this comprehensive research article for an in-depth exploration of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and its profound impact on various aspects of life, including socialization, marriage, and sexual knowledge.

Prepare to uncover a series of shocking statistics:

1. Individuals with ASD are 3.4 times more likely to report that they rarely or sometimes socialize with people other than their family, with a significant 31.6% compared to only 9.3% of people without ASD.
2. The marriage rates for individuals with ASD fall between 10% and 16%, a figure that is approximately 4 times lower than the rate of 53% observed in the general U.S. population.
3. Individuals with ASD are more likely to learn about sex-related topics from their parents (17.9% versus 11.5%), at school (38.8% versus 24%), and from reading (9% versus 5.8%), with respective likelihoods 1.56, 1.62, and 1.55 times higher than their non-ASD counterparts.
4. ASD females possess the most knowledge about sexual behaviors (score: 3.74), followed by control females (3.51), control males (3.36), and ASD males (3.35).

Please note that all graphics are 100% free to share under the CC BY-NC-SA license. 

This document is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with ASD.

Worldwide Demographics and Prevalence of Autism

• The median prevalence of autism was found to vary across different regions, with a median of 100 cases per 10,000 individuals. [1]
• The ratio of males to females with autism was reported to be 4.2, signifying a higher prevalence among males. [2]
• Around 33% of individuals diagnosed with autism were found to have a co-occurring intellectual disability.
• There has been a remarkable increase in autism prevalence over the last 15–17 years. There was a growth rate of 684% during this period, averaging about 43% per year. [3]

Statistics and Perceptions of Friendships and Family Relationships in Autism

Contrasting Social Engagement Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are 3.4 times more likely to report that they rarely or sometimes socialize with people other than their family (31.6%), compared to only 9.3% of people without ASD. [4]

How Often Do Young Adults with Autism And Other Disabilities See Friends?

Overall data and statistics: 

• Learning Disabilities: Young adults with Learning Disabilities see their friends the most frequently, with a rate of 67.8%. They also have the highest rate of receiving weekly calls from friends (63.8%) and the lowest rate of complete social isolation (2%).
• Emotional Disturbances: Young adults with Emotional Disturbances see their friends once a week at a rate of 61.8%, which is 10% less frequently than those with Learning Disabilities, but 2.1 times more often than those with ASD (28.8%).
• Intellectual Disabilities: Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities see their friends once weekly at a rate of 47.9%. This is about 41% less frequently than those with Learning Disabilities, but 1.7 times more often than those with ASD.
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Young adults with ASD are the most socially isolated group. They see friends the least frequently at a rate of 28.8%, and have the highest rate of complete social isolation (28.1%).
• The rate of complete social isolation among those with Learning Disabilities is the lowest, which is about 4.5 times less than those with Intellectual Disabilities, 26% less than those with Emotional Disturbances, and a stark 14 times less than those with ASD. [5]

How Often Do Young Adults with Autism And Other Disabilities Receive Calls from Friends? 

• The data reveals a concerning disparity in the frequency of phone calls with friends among young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, and Learning Disabilities. Young adults with ASD receive weekly calls from friends about 3.5 times less frequently (18%) than their peers with Learning Disabilities (63.8%). When compared to those with Intellectual Disabilities (41.4%), ASD individuals are at the receiving end of such social interactions approximately 2.3 times less frequently, and about 3.2 times less frequently than those with Emotional Disturbances (57.2%). However, it's noteworthy that those with Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances, although receiving calls less frequently than those with Learning Disabilities, maintain a more consistent level of interaction, receiving calls 2.3 times and 3.2 times more frequently than those with ASD respectively.
• When it comes to being invited to activities, a similar pattern emerges. ASD individuals miss out on invitations about 4.6 times more frequently (48.1%) than those with Learning Disabilities (10.4%), and they experience this social exclusion approximately 1.3 times more frequently than those with Intellectual Disabilities (37%), and about 2.1 times more frequently than those with Emotional Disturbances (22.9%). Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances, although receiving invitations less frequently than those with Learning Disabilities, are in a better position than ASD individuals. They receive invitations to activities about 1.3 times and 2.1 times less frequently than those with ASD respectively.
• Perhaps most alarming is the rate of complete social isolation, which again is highest among ASD individuals. They experience this isolation about 14 times more frequently (28.1%) than those with Learning Disabilities (2%), approximately 3.2 times more frequently than those with Intellectual Disabilities (8.9%), and about 10 times more frequently than those with Emotional Disturbances (2.7%). Once more, individuals with Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances, despite being more isolated than those with Learning Disabilities, are less isolated than those with ASD, experiencing this isolation about 3.2 times and 10 times less frequently respectively.

In summary:

The data reveals considerable disparities in social integration among young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities, Emotional Disturbances, and Intellectual Disabilities. ASD individuals experience the highest levels of social isolation, with less frequent direct and indirect social interactions compared to other groups. In contrast, young adults with Learning Disabilities demonstrate the most significant social integration, with the highest rates of face-to-face interaction, phone calls, and invitations to activities, as well as the lowest rate of social isolation. While Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional Disturbances groups interact less frequently than those with Learning Disabilities, they still maintain more consistent social connections than those with ASD. [5]

Read more about another mental disorder...BPD: BPD Marriage, Divorce & Parenthood Statistics

Preferences of Adolescents with Autism in Friendships and Partnerships

Another study explored whether adolescents seek friends or partners who are similar or dissimilar to themselves, in the context of both autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) groups.

When considering a friend:

The results showed that in both groups, adolescents generally preferred friends who were more complementary, or slightly different from themselves, while partners were desired who were more similar.

• In the ASD group, adolescents rated themselves differently from the characteristics they desired in a friend on five counts: popularity, niceness, coolness, intelligence, and attractiveness. They desired a best friend who was less popular, less cool, less smart, less attractive, but nicer than themselves.
• The TD group showed similar results, with differences noted in five characteristics as well, preferring a friend who is less funny, less popular, less cool, less smart, and less attractive than themselves. There was no significant difference in wanting a trustworthy friend in both groups.

When considering a partner:

• ASD adolescents wanted someone less popular, less cool, less smart, but nicer than they saw themselves. 
• The TD adolescents also wanted a partner who is less popular, less cool, and less smart than themselves.

The characteristic 'nice' was only significantly different in the ASD group, whereas no significant difference was observed in the characteristics of trustworthiness, funniness, and attractiveness.

Both ASD and TD adolescents had similar desires in relation to their own characteristics, with the only differences found on the characteristics of being nice and funny. ASD adolescents wanted a friend or partner who was nicer, while TD adolescents desired a friend, not a partner, who was less funny than themselves. (This pattern held when considering all males in both samples.) [6]

Statistics and Perceptions on Sexual Education in Autism

Contrasting Sexual Education Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Examining the differences in sexual knowledge and understanding between people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without yields notable differences.

• People with ASD are nearly three times (2.77 times) more likely to express a desire for greater knowledge about sexuality, with 42.6% admitting a lack of understanding compared to just 15.4% of those without ASD. 
• Conversely, people without ASD are 1.47 times more likely to report having equal or more knowledge about sexuality than their peers, with 84.6% asserting this compared to 57.4% of people with ASD.
• Moreover, those without ASD find the sex education they received more accessible, with 79.9% claiming easy understanding compared to 48.5% of people with ASD.
• Lastly, a slightly higher percentage of people without ASD express a desire to know more about sexuality and sexual health, at 60.6% versus 57.4% of those with ASD. [4]

Contrasting Privacy Knowledge Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When asked survey participants "Who taught you what things and actions should be done in private?", a pattern emerged between those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without. 

• People with ASD are more likely to have learned about private actions from their parents (61.8% versus 51%), siblings (5.9% versus 4.8%), grandparents (5.9% versus 4.8%), teachers (35.3% versus 24%), and counselor/support workers (27.9% versus 7.7%) - with likelihoods 1.21, 1.23, 1.23, 1.47, and a notable 3.63 times higher respectively. They're also slightly more likely to have learned from TV or movies (32.4% versus 29.8%). 
• However, individuals without ASD are more likely (1.23 times) to learn from their friends (28.8% versus 23.5%), and are 1.39 times more likely to have learned about private actions independently (65.4% versus 47.1%). [4]

Contrasting Sources Of Sexual Knowledge Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Understanding where individuals learn about sex-related topics reveals interesting contrasts between people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without.

• For instance, individuals with ASD are more likely to learn from their parents (17.9% versus 11.5%), at school (38.8% versus 24%), and from reading (9% versus 5.8%), with respective likelihoods 1.56, 1.62, and 1.55 times higher than their non-ASD counterparts. 
• Meanwhile, no people without ASD reported learning from their siblings, compared to 3% of those with ASD. However, people without ASD are nearly four times more likely to learn from their friends (29.8% versus 7.5%) and slightly more likely to learn from counseling or community programs (1.9% versus 1.5%) and TV/movies/Internet (14.4% versus 11.9%).
• Finally, 7.7% of those without ASD reported not learning from any of these sources, slightly higher than the 6% of those with ASD. [4]

Comparing Educational Disparities On The Importance Of Sexual Health Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When discussing what people have been taught regarding certain aspects of sexual health, differences are apparent between those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without.

• For instance, all individuals without ASD have reportedly been educated on the importance of using contraception, such as condoms or the contraceptive pill, compared to 97.1% of individuals with ASD. 
• In terms of understanding the need for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) testing, people without ASD are slightly more likely (1.05 times) to have received this education, with 92.3% agreeing, versus 88.2% of those with ASD.
• Lastly, regarding the importance of sober decision-making about sexual activities, people without ASD have a slightly higher likelihood (1.04 times) of having been taught this, with 87.5% agreeing compared to 83.8% of those with ASD. [4]

Comparing STI Knowledge Sources (Social Vs Non-Social) Across Gender And ASD Vs Control Groups

Differences In STI Knowledge Sources Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And Control Groups

Overall STI Knowledge Scores:

• ASD females know the most about STIs (score: 3.08), followed by control females (2.96), control males (2.86), and ASD males (2.41).
• Regardless of group, everyone learns more about STIs from non-social sources, like TV or the internet, than from people in their life.
• The one exception? Control females learn a bit more from people than non-social sources.

Who Learns More From Where? (ASD vs Control):

• Folks with ASD learn almost twice as much from TV/radio and about three times as much from pornography as those without ASD. They also learn slightly more from the internet and significantly more from support workers.
• On the other hand, people without ASD learn about twice as much from parents, teachers, and peers and a bit more from educational brochures compared to those with ASD.

Do Males and Females Learn Differently?

• Within the ASD group, females know more about STIs than males, both from people and non-social sources.
• Among those without ASD, females learn slightly more from people than males do, but the difference in learning from non-social sources is tiny. [7]

Comparing Sexual Behavior Knowledge Sources (Social Vs Non-Social) Across Gender And ASD Vs Control Groups

Differences In Sexual Behavior Knowledge Sources Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And Control Groups

Overall Sexual Behavior Knowledge Scores:

• ASD females know the most about sexual behaviors (score: 3.74), followed by control females (3.51), control males (3.36), and ASD males (3.35).
• Among both ASD and control groups, non-social sources like TV, internet, or magazines are where people learn more about sexual behaviors than from social interactions.

Who Learns More From Where? (ASD vs Control)

• People with ASD learn more about sexual behaviors from TV/radio (about 1.66 times more), the internet (1.23 times more), support workers (3.76 times more), religious figures (2.98 times more), and educational brochures (1.58 times more) compared to those without ASD.
• However, those without ASD learn more from parents (about 2.2 times more), teachers (1.93 times more), peers (1.55 times more), and romantic partners (1.34 times more). They also learn slightly more from pornography.

Do Males and Females Learn Differently?

• Within the ASD group, females know more about sexual behaviors than males do, both from people and non-social sources.
• Among those without ASD, females again learn slightly more from people than males do, but the difference in learning from non-social sources is negligible. [7]

Comparing Contraceptive Knowledge Sources (Social Vs Non-Social) Across Gender And ASD Vs Control Groups

Differences In Contraceptive Knowledge Sources Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) And Control Groups

Overall Contraceptive Knowledge Scores:

• Control females know the most about contraceptives (score: 3.22), followed by ASD females (2.97), control males (2.86), and ASD males (2.48).
• Among ASD groups, people learn more about contraceptives from non-social sources like TV, the internet, or magazines than from people. Control females, however, learn slightly more from people in their life.

Who Learns More From Where? (ASD vs Control)

• People with ASD learn more about contraceptives from TV/radio (about 1.6 times more), the internet (1.25 times more), support workers (3.76 times more), religious figures (2.12 times more), and magazines (1.41 times more). They also slightly outpace control groups in learning from educational brochures.
  
  However, those without ASD learn substantially more from parents (about 3.39 times more), teachers (2.18 times more), peers (2.08 times more), and romantic partners (1.61 times more). They also learn a bit more from pornography.

Do Males and Females Learn Differently?

• Within the ASD group, females know more about contraceptives than males do, both from people and non-social sources.
• Among those without ASD, females learn more from people than males do, but the difference in learning from non-social sources is minimal. [7]

Sexual Health Knowledge Across the Board: Understanding How We Learn Differently Based on Gender and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Knowledge Scores:

In all three domains, ASD females tend to have the highest or second-highest total knowledge scores. This suggests they're actively seeking and gaining information about sexual health.

Regardless of domain, people with ASD consistently learn more from non-social sources than social ones. Meanwhile, control females are the only group to learn slightly more from social sources in two out of three domains (STI and Contraceptives).

ASD vs Control Groups Learning Patterns:

For all three domains, people with ASD generally rely more on non-social sources (TV/radio, the internet, magazines, educational brochures) and support workers. This indicates that these sources might be more accessible or comfortable for them.

Conversely, control groups learn more from social sources - parents, teachers, and peers - in all domains. This implies these groups have a higher level of direct interpersonal communication about sexual health topics.

Role of Romantic Partners:

Interestingly, for all three domains, both ASD and control groups report similar levels of learning from romantic partners, suggesting that romantic relationships are equally important sources of sexual health knowledge regardless of ASD status.

Use of Support Workers:

People with ASD lean more on support workers for information across all three domains compared to control groups. This emphasizes the importance of support workers in sexual health education for those with ASD.

Gender Differences:

In general, females tend to have slightly higher total knowledge scores compared to males in both ASD and control groups across all three domains.

This may suggest that females, regardless of ASD status, are more engaged in learning about sexual health.

Role of the Internet:

Across all three domains, the internet was the most utilized non-social source, especially among the ASD groups. This shows the importance of accurate, comprehensive online resources for sexual health education.

The Influence of Pornography:

Across all three domains, people with ASD learned more about STIs from pornography but less about sexual behaviors and contraceptives. This could suggest a potential misinformation risk since pornography doesn't typically portray sexual health topics accurately or realistically. [7]

Perceptions and Statistics on Sexuality in Autism

Examining the Differences in Sexual and Relationship Experiences Between Individuals With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

In terms of sexual or dyadic (relationship) experiences, individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to report a variety of such interactions.

These include being 1.29 times more likely to have held hands with someone they're interested in (89.4% versus 69.1%), 1.10 times more likely to have hugged another person (97.1% versus 88.2%), 1.50 times more likely to have kissed someone with a closed mouth (83.7% versus 55.9%), and more than twice as likely to have French kissed someone (77.9% versus 38.2%).

People without ASD are also more than twice as likely (2.06 times) to report having had sexual experiences, with 81.7% agreeing compared to 39.7% of people with ASD, and 1.35 times more likely to have had a boyfriend or girlfriend (78.8% versus 58.2%).

Lastly, people without ASD are more likely (1.18 times) to report enjoying using pornographic materials (55.8% versus 47.1%). [4]

Contrasting Sexual Interests And Desires In Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) display different levels of sexual interests and desires. 

• Those without ASD tend to exhibit stronger desires related to romantic and sexual relationships. Specifically, they're 14% more likely to want a relationship in the near future (88.5% of non-ASD individuals versus 77.9% of those with ASD) and 42% more likely to report sexual attraction to someone (96.2% of non-ASD individuals versus 67.6% of those with ASD). 
• In terms of sexual desires and anticipation for future relationships, the non-ASD population again shows higher tendencies. They're 39% more likely to express a desire for sex (94.2% of non-ASD individuals versus 67.6% of those with ASD), 42% more likely to want a sexual relationship (85.6% of non-ASD individuals versus 60.3% of those with ASD), and 10% more confident in foreseeing a sexual relationship in their future (97.0% of non-ASD individuals versus 88.1% of those with ASD). 
• When comparing general interest in sexual topics, non-ASD individuals are 51% more likely to express the same or higher level of interest compared to their peers (91.3% of non-ASD individuals versus 60.3% of those with ASD). 
• In contrast, individuals with ASD are significantly more likely to report infrequent or absent sexual thoughts. Specifically, they're over three times more likely to say they rarely or never think about sex and sexual behaviors (29.4% of ASD individuals versus 9.6% of non-ASD individuals). [4]

Contrasting Internet Use In Relation To Sexuality Among Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

In terms of internet activities related to sexuality over the past month, there are distinctive behaviors exhibited by people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to those without. 

• Firstly, there's a significant difference when it comes to visiting sexual education websites. People with ASD are infinitely more likely to visit these sites at least once a week. In fact, 5.9% of them report doing so, compared to none among those without ASD.
• In the sphere of online dating, people with ASD are almost twice as likely, or 1.95 times, to engage in weekly chats on dating websites, with 7.4% doing so, compared to a lower 3.8% of people without ASD.
• When it comes to more explicit content, people without ASD are slightly more active. They're 1.03 times more likely to watch pornographic photos or videos at least once a week, with 31.7% reporting they do so, compared to a close 30.9% of those with ASD.
• Lastly, there's also a slight difference when it comes to masturbating while watching pornographic content. People without ASD are 1.05 times more likely to engage in this activity at least once a week, with 30.8% doing so, in comparison to 29.4% of individuals with ASD. [4]

To learn more about the very real dangers of online dating, read: 2023 Statistics: Online Dating Sexual Assault, Violence, & Murders

Contrasting Strategies for Casual Sex in Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Interesting trends surface when examining casual sex strategies between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without.

Non-ASD individuals tend to employ more traditional romantic signals:

They express interest through kissing 1.12 times more frequently than those with ASD (34.6% versus 30.9%). They also use attentive strategies, such as near-constant watching, 1.57 times more frequently (23.1% versus 14.7%). These individuals employ playful teasing 2.09 times more often to capture attention (46.2% versus 22.1%) and are 1.22 times more likely to directly ask someone on a date (51.9% versus 42.6%). Furthermore, non-ASD individuals are 1.24 times more likely to use physical contact, such as touching someone's arms or back, to express interest (34.6% versus 27.9%). 

On the other hand, individuals with ASD showcase unique approaches:

They lean 1.16 times more towards conversation (73.5% versus 63.5%), indicating a preference for verbal interaction. They also align their interests with their person of interest 3.52 times more often (33.8% versus 9.6%). People with ASD are 3.37 times more likely to present a nice gift as a token of interest (32.4% versus 9.6%). They also prefer staying physically close, like sitting next to their person of interest, 1.27 times more often (44.1% versus 34.6%). They even show a slightly higher likelihood of being around someone nearly all the time (22.1% versus 21.2%).

The most significant divergence appears in the sharing of personal information. People with ASD are 2.29 times more likely to reveal appealing personal details about themselves (39.7% versus 17.3%). [4]

Contrasting Motivations for Casual Sex in Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When exploring the motivations behind engaging in sexual intercourse, a variety of reasons surface more prominently among individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

• Individuals without Autism Spectrum Disorder are 1.65 times more likely to engage in sex because it feels good (79.8% versus 48.5% of people with ASD), and for enjoyment, they are 1.47 times more likely to do so (77.9% versus 52.9% of people with ASD).
• The notion of friendship also influences their decision, as they are 2.66 times more likely to have sex because they are friends with someone (7.7% versus 2.9% of people with ASD).
• Engaging in sex due to being in a relationship is another common reason among non-ASD individuals, with 82.7% affirming this compared to 66.2% of people with ASD. 
• Interestingly, ASD individuals appear to place slightly more emphasis on expressing love through sex, with 32.4% agreeing compared to 31.7% of people without ASD. They are also more inclined to have sex due to a perceived obligation, with 5.9% agreeing compared to 4.8% of non-ASD individuals.
• For reasons such as marital status or reproduction, non-ASD individuals again register higher rates. They are 1.55 times more likely to have sex due to being married (18.3% versus 11.8% of people with ASD), and 1.43 times more likely to engage in sex for procreation purposes (54.8% versus 38.3% of people with ASD). [4]

Contrasting Perceptions Of Privacy Towards Sexual Activities Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

When examining attitudes towards privacy in sexual activities, individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) exhibit distinct perceptions compared to those without ASD.

• Remarkably, people with ASD are 6.21 times more likely to believe that kissing should be a private activity, a stance shared by 11.8% of those with ASD versus 1.9% of non-ASD individuals. 
• Moreover, those with ASD show a slight preference for other intimate activities to occur privately. They are 1.09 times more likely to believe that touching someone sexually should remain private, with 92.6% agreement compared to 84.6% among non-ASD individuals. Similar preferences emerge for activities such as undressing someone (97.1% versus 95.2% for non-ASD), engaging in non-intercourse sexual behaviors (89.7% versus 88.5%), and sexual intercourse (94.1% versus 89.4%). 
• All things considered, individuals with ASD value privacy in sexual activities twice as much as non-ASD individuals. [4]

Rates of LGBT Individuals within the Autism Spectrum

LGBT: Contrasting Sexual Identity And Orientation Between Individuals With And Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Identification with Birth Gender: People without ASD are 1.3 times more likely to clearly identify themselves as the gender they were born (boy or girl) compared to people with ASD. The rates are 95.2% and 73.5% respectively.

Identification as Transgender: People with ASD are 4.63 times more likely to consider themselves as transgender compared to people without ASD. The rates are 8.8% and 1.9% respectively.

In terms of sexual orientation, there are noticeable differences between people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without.

• People without ASD are slightly more likely (1.13 times) to identify as heterosexual, with rates of 71.2%, compared to 63.0% in those with ASD.
• However, people with ASD are significantly more likely (9 times) to identify as homosexual, with 9.0% doing so compared to just 1.0% in those without ASD.
• Bisexual identification also sees people without ASD being slightly more common, being 1.31 times more likely than those with ASD, at rates of 19.2% and 14.7% respectively.
• A notable disparity exists in the identification as asexual; people with ASD are 6 times more likely to identify as such, with rates of 6.0% versus 1.0% in those without ASD.
• Lastly, when it comes to individuals who are questioning their sexual orientation, the rates are nearly identical between people with ASD and without, standing at 7.4% and 7.7% respectively. [4]

Read more about LGBT statistics here: 57 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Statistics: Dating, Health & Discrimination

Adult ASD Relationships By Sexual Orientation And Partner ASD Status

• A Spectrum of Attractions: When it comes to who they're attracted to, both ASD men and women show a broader spectrum than their TD counterparts. Here's where it gets interesting: more ASD women are attracted to both genders (22.4%) compared to TD women (10.1%), and both ASD men and women report higher rates of same-sex attraction.
• Choosing None: A significant number of people with ASD aren't attracted to either gender. The numbers really stand out with ASD women - almost 15% say they're not attracted to either gender, which is way higher than the 1.6% seen in TD women.
• On the Relationship Front: It seems like the dating game is a bit harder for folks with ASD. Fewer ASD men and women are in relationships compared to their TD peers. But, once in a relationship, they're just as likely to move in with their partner.
• Dating Within the Community: ASD individuals are more likely to date someone who's also on the spectrum. The numbers are particularly noteworthy for ASD women - a whole quarter of them have a partner diagnosed with ASD.
• Relationship Partners' Gender: As we'd expect, most men (whether ASD or TD) are dating women, but it's interesting to note a slightly higher proportion of ASD men are dating men compared to TD men. As for the ladies, both ASD and TD women predominantly date men, though slightly fewer ASD women are doing so.

In a nutshell, having ASD doesn't just impact if someone's in a relationship, but also seems to influence patterns of attraction and the likelihood of having a partner with ASD. The increased spectrum of sexual orientations in ASD individuals, and the greater proportion of them with no attraction, offer intriguing insights into the complexity of sexual and romantic relationships in the ASD community. [8]

Data and Statistics of Victimization in Autism

Contrasting Negative Sexual Experiences and Worries Between Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Examining the realm of negative sexual experiences and worries reveals distinct patterns between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and those without.

• People without ASD are more likely (1.27 times) to experience regret after consensual sex (33.7% versus 26.5%) and to have consensual sex with an unwanted partner (32.7% versus 26.5%).
• On the other hand, people with ASD are slightly more likely to have experienced unwanted sexual advances (27.9% versus 26.9%) and to have initiated sexual behavior they didn't really want to (23.5% versus 20.2%). They're also 1.41 times more likely to be teased due to a lack of sexual knowledge (19.1% versus 13.5%).
• Furthermore, people with ASD are more than twice as likely to worry that their sexual behaviors may be misunderstood by others (38.8% versus 16.8%), and slightly more likely to fear being taken advantage of (38.8% versus 33.7%). [4]

To learn more about sexual victimization, read: 2023 Statistics: Online Dating Sexual Assault, Violence, & Murders

Prevalence of Sexual Victimization Types in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Compared to Control Groups

Higher Incidences Across the Board: Individuals with ASD face 1.72 times higher rates of sexual victimization across all types compared to the control group. This is a concerning pattern that merits attention.

Sexual Contact: Starting with the most prevalent type, sexual contact, 70% of individuals with ASD have experienced this form of victimization. This figure is significantly higher than the 44% reported in the control group.

Sexual Coercion: When it comes to sexual coercion, the numbers are again distressingly higher for the ASD group. Almost double the percentage of individuals with ASD (39%) have faced sexual coercion compared to the control group (19%).

Attempted Rape: The differences persist with attempted rape. Here, 27% of the ASD group reported experiences of attempted rape, a higher percentage than the control group's 20.5%.

Rape: Finally, the rate of reported rape is nearly double in the ASD group (31.5%) compared to the control group (16.4%). [7]

More data on potential date raping statistics: Your Chances Of Encountering Serial Killers And Rapists On Dating Apps [Real Risks]

Perceptions and Statistics on Online Dating in Autism

How Autism Affects Online Dating Profile Attractiveness

In one study, researchers set out to investigate how the presentation of autism in online dating profiles affects the perceived desirability of those profiles, with a particular focus on the impact of an explicit autism label and the use of positive or negative wording.

The key findings of the study are as follows:

1. An explicit autism label and positive wording in the profile had a positive effect on the perceived attractiveness of the profile. This suggests that clear communication about autism and presenting it in a positive light can enhance how a dating profile is perceived by potential partners.
2. The study revealed an interesting interaction between the wording used in the profile, the presence of an autism label, and the viewers' stigmatizing views. For profiles with positive wording, participants with highly stigmatizing views reported a decreased desire-to-date when an explicit label of autism was present. On the other hand, those with low levels of stigmatizing views reported an increased desire-to-date when an explicit autism label was present.
3. The significance of positive wording in the profiles was highlighted by the statistical model effect sizes. The effect size for wording was large, indicating that the way autism is presented in the profile has a substantial impact on the perceived desirability of the profile. The effect sizes for the presence of an autism label and stigma were of medium magnitude.
4. A three-way interaction was observed among the participants. Specifically, participants with low stigmatization, who were assigned to view profiles with positive wording and an explicit autism label, had the highest desire-to-date scores compared to other participants.

These findings underscore the importance of how individuals with autism present themselves in online dating profiles. Being explicit about autism and using positive language can significantly influence how potential partners perceive and respond to these profiles. Additionally, the study sheds light on the role of stigmatizing views in shaping the preferences of viewers when it comes to dating someone with autism. [9]

Online Dating Experiences of Adults With Autism

In terms of specific online dating experiences: 

• One survey found that of all adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), 53% had tried it while 47% had not. 
• Of those who tried, 44% had long-term relationships from online dating.
• 89% had preferred dating websites, finding some aspects of online dating easier than face-to-face (64%), but safety concerns were reported by 81%.
• Only 47% had been taught safety precautions. [10]

Ratings of Adults with Autism for Potential Topics of Future Online Dating Education

The survey also provides insights into the key topics that adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are interested in learning more about in the context of online dating. 

• The topic of 'Progressing to a face-to-face meeting' was rated highest in terms of interest (7.3), usefulness (7.1), and the need to work on (5.8), leading to an average overall rating of 6.7. 
• Close behind was 'Rejection and rejecting others' with interest, usefulness, and need to work on ratings leading to an overall average score of 6.5.
• In contrast, 'Information in profiles and emails' received an average rating of 4.9, driven by moderate interest (4.91), usefulness (5.5), and need to work on (4.3). 
• Lastly, 'Identity frauds and scams' had a slightly higher average rating of 5.03, with interest at 5.36, perceived usefulness at 4.9, and need to work on it at 4.82. [10]

Data, Statistics and Perceptions of Relationships in Autism

Inappropriate Courting Behaviors 

• In a comparison between individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and typically developing individuals, it was found that those with ASD relied less on peers and friends for social and romantic learning.
• Additionally, individuals with ASD were more prone to engaging in inappropriate courting behaviors. These behaviors included touching the person of interest inappropriately, having the belief that the target must reciprocate their feelings, displaying obsessional interest, making inappropriate comments, monitoring the person's activities, following them, pursuing them in a threatening manner, making threats against the person, and even threatening self-harm.
• Furthermore, individuals with ASD were observed to focus their attention on a wider range of romantic interests, which included celebrities, strangers, colleagues, and ex-partners.
• It was also noted that individuals with ASD tended to persist in pursuing their romantic interests for a longer duration compared to typically developing individuals. [11]

Comparing Perceptions of Romantic Relationships between Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

92.3% of people without ASD believe that being in a long-term relationship in the future is important, making them 1.13 times more likely to hold this belief compared to people with ASD, of whom 81.6% agreed with this statement. [4]

Contrasting Priorities in Romantic Relationships Between Individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

People without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) place more emphasis on several aspects of a good romantic relationship compared to people with ASD:

They are slightly more likely to prioritize getting along (93.8% vs 93.0%), with a 1.01 times likelihood. They emphasize regular communication 1.22 times more than their counterparts with ASD (83.2% vs 68.2%). Emotional closeness is valued by 78.3%, making them 1.15 times more likely to consider it important than people with ASD (68.2%). Other aspects such as physical affection (66.2%, 1.23 times more likely), sexual behaviors (51.4%, 1.40 times more likely), trust (94.2%, 1.10 times more likely), mutual affection (90.9%, 1.10 times more likely), discussing feelings (86.7%, 1.27 times more likely), and having open and honest conversations (92.6%, 1.05 times more likely) are all seen as more significant among people without ASD. Even in fairness and going on dates, they slightly lean towards placing more value with 73.7% and 62.6% agreeing respectively, compared to 72.5% and 61.8% of those with ASD.

However, individuals with ASD have their unique perspectives:

They are 1.41 times more likely to see spending time together as a crucial part of a good romantic relationship (63.2% vs 44.9% without ASD). In terms of sharing the same interests, individuals with ASD are substantially more inclined to value this, with 67.6% agreeing to its importance, marking them as 1.85 times more likely to do so than people without ASD at 36.5%.

Key data driven insights:

Both individuals with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) recognize key aspects such as getting along, trust, and open and honest conversations as important in a romantic relationship, although individuals without ASD consistently rate these slightly higher.

There are notable differences between individuals with and without ASD in their perspectives on elements of a romantic relationship:

People without ASD tend to place a higher emphasis on aspects that involve emotional and physical expression and sharing, such as regular communication, emotional closeness, physical affection, discussing feelings, and sexual behaviors.

On the other hand, individuals with ASD value spending time together and having shared interests more highly compared to those without ASD. This could potentially reflect the importance they place on shared activities and commonalities.

Differences between the two groups are less pronounced when it comes to more general principles such as fairness and looking after and providing for each other, although individuals without ASD still rate these slightly higher.

Overall, while there is substantial overlap in what makes a good romantic relationship for individuals with and without ASD, some differences suggest that individuals with ASD might value more tangible, activity-based aspects of a relationship, while those without ASD may prioritize emotional and communicative elements. [4]

ASD and Higher Anxiety in Romantic Relationships

Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience 1.31 times more concern about future relationship outcomes compared to those without ASD.

Additionally, they feel anxiety about initial romantic interactions at a rate 1.22 times higher than non-ASD individuals. [12]

Reasons Cited by Single ASD Participants for Not Being in a Romantic Relationship 

In a survey among single individuals with Autism, the most prevalent reason for not being in a romantic relationship, expressed by 65% of participants, was that contact with others proved too exhausting. Closely following, 61% were worried they might not meet a potential partner's expectations

The challenge of meeting a potential partner was experienced by 57%, and 50% did not understand the mechanics of a romantic relationship or how to behave within one.

There were also more specific issues: 40% hadn't found someone with whom they could imagine having a romantic relationship, 30% found sexual activities unpleasant, and 28% did not like the physical contact associated with a romantic relationship.

A notable 19% expressed a lack of interest or need for a romantic relationship. Finally, 27% cited other, unspecified reasons for not pursuing romantic relationships.

From the given survey data of single individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), several patterns and insights can be deduced. 

• Firstly, there's a strong theme of social and sensory challenges, which aligns with known characteristics of ASD. This is evident from responses such as contact with others being exhausting (65%), discomfort with physical contact (28%), and finding sexual activities unpleasant (30%). 
• Secondly, fear and lack of understanding about how to navigate romantic relationships also play a significant role, with 61% afraid of not fulfilling their partner's expectations and 50% unsure of how romantic relationships work. 
• Thirdly, practical obstacles are also a factor, such as not knowing how to meet a potential partner (57%) or not yet having met a suitable person (40%).
• Interestingly, the least cited reason was not feeling the need for a romantic relationship (19%), suggesting that the desire for romantic relationships among single ASD individuals is relatively common, but various barriers exist to realizing this desire. [13]

Comparative Relationship Satisfaction Levels in Autistic Individuals With Autistic vs. Non-Autistic Partners

ASD individuals in romantic relationships with autistic partners reported 19 points (1.19 times) higher average satisfaction (79.33%) compared to those with non-autistic partners (66.67%). [13]

Mean Scores For Sexual Functioning Variables Among Autistic Adults With And Without Relationship Experience

ASD adults with relationship experience seem to have a more favorable outlook on their sexual experiences:

They tend to hold more positive sexual cognitions, demonstrating an optimistic perspective on sexuality. They also show an increased desire, both dyadic (towards a partner) and solitary, indicating a stronger inclination for sexual activity. Additionally, they have heightened sexual arousability and participate more in dyadic sexual activities, suggesting more engagement in shared sexual experiences with their partners.

It's noteworthy, however, that this group also reports a slight increase in sexual problems, which may indicate challenges in their sexual relationships or personal sexual health.

Conversely, ASD adults without relationship experience appear to have a different pattern:

They demonstrate slightly more sexual knowledge, potentially indicating a proactive approach to understanding sexuality, despite not being in a relationship. This group also shows a higher frequency of solitary genital activity, hinting at a stronger focus on self-centered sexual activities. They also engage more in online sexual activities, which could be a substitute for physical relationships or a comfortable space for exploration.

However, this group experiences higher sexual anxiety, implying that the absence of relationship experience might contribute to feelings of stress or worry related to sexuality. [14]

Perceptions and Statistics on Marriage Rates in Autism

Marriage rates In Autism

Marriage rates for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are noted to fall between 10% and 16% [15], a figure which is approximately 4 times lower than the rate of 53% observed in the general U.S. population. [16]

Relationship Duration Among Adults with Autism

The lengths of relationships among adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) vary widely:

• Relationships lasting less than 6 months: 46.67%
• Relationships lasting 6 months to 2 years: 16.67%
• Relationships lasting 2-3 years: 16.67%
• Relationships lasting 10 years or more: 20.00%

As for the reasons behind the conclusion of these relationships, it is often due to various factors:

1. Lack of maturity within the relationship
2. Significant dysfunction from one or both partners
3. Misunderstandings about the nature and importance of relationships
4. Unrealistic expectations regarding the relationship itself or the role of a partner [17]

References

[1] World Health Organization: WHO. (2023). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/autism-spectrum-disorders. Zeidan, J., Fombonne, E., Scorah, J., Ibrahim, A. I., Durkin, M. S., Saxena, S., Yusuf, A., Shih, A. Y., & Elsabbagh, M. (2022). Global prevalence of autism: A systematic review update. Autism Research, 15(5), 778–790. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2696

[2] Hull, L., Petrides, K. V., & Mandy, W. (2020). The Female Autism Phenotype and Camouflaging: A Narrative Review. Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 7(4), 306–317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40489-020-00197-9

[3] Cardinal, D. N., Griffiths, A. J., Maupin, Z. D., & Fraumeni‐McBride, J. (2021). An investigation of increased rates of autism in U.S. public schools. Psychology in the Schools, 58(1), 124–140. https://doi.org/10.1002/pits.22425 

[4] Joyal, C. C., Carpentier, J., McKinnon, S., Normand, C. L., & Poulin, M.-H. (2021). Sexual Knowledge, Desires, and Experience of Adolescents and Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Exploratory Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 685256. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.685256 

[5] Orsmond, G. I., Shattuck, P. T., Cooper, B. H., Sterzing, P. R., & Anderson, K. A. (2013). Social Participation Among Young Adults with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(11), 2710–2719. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1833-8 

[6] Dekker, L. P., Van Der Vegt, E. J., Louwerse, A., Visser, K., Van Der Ende, J., Maras, A., Verhulst, F. C., & Greaves-Lord, K. (2022). Complementing or Congruent? Desired Characteristics in a Friend and Romantic Partner in Autistic versus Typically Developing Male Adolescents. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 52(3), 1153–1167. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02444-y 

[7] Brown-Lavoie, S.M., Viecili, M.A. & Weiss, J.A. Sexual Knowledge and Victimization in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 44, 2185–2196 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-014-2093-y 

[8] Dewinter, J., Graaf, H. D., & Begeer, S. (2017). Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Romantic Relationships in Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(9), 2927. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3199-9

[9] Brosnan, M., & Gavin, J. (2021). The Impact of Stigma, Autism Label and Wording on the Perceived Desirability of the Online Dating Profiles of Men on the Autism Spectrum. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(11), 4077–4085. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04830-8 

[10] Roth, M. E., & Gillis, J. M. (2015). “Convenience with the Click of a Mouse”: A Survey of Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Online Dating. Sexuality and Disability, 33(1), 133–150. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-014-9392-2 

[11] Stokes, M., Newton, N., & Kaur, A. (2007). Stalking, and Social and Romantic Functioning Among Adolescents and Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(10), 1969–1986. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-006-0344-2 

[12] Hancock, G., Stokes, M., & Mesibov, G. (2020). Differences in Romantic Relationship Experiences for Individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sexuality and Disability, 38. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-019-09573-8 

[13] Strunz, S., Schermuck, C., Ballerstein, S., Ahlers, C. J., Dziobek, I., & Roepke, S. (2017). Romantic Relationships and Relationship Satisfaction Among Adults With Asperger Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 73(1), 113–125. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.22319 

[14] Byers, E. S., Nichols, S., & Voyer, S. D. (2013). Challenging Stereotypes: Sexual Functioning of Single Adults with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(11), 2617–2627. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1813-z 

[15] Yukawa, Y., Ota, H., Kanai, C., Tani, M., Yamada, T., Hashimoto, R., Yamasue, H., Kato, N., & Iwanami, A. (2013). Clinical and psychosocial characteristics in adults with pervasive development disorders: A survey in Japan. International Journal on Disability and Human Development, 12(1), 25–29. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijdhd-2012-0121. Tani, M., Kanai, C., Ota, H., Yamada, T., Watanabe, H., Yokoi, H., Takayama, Y., Ono, T., Hashimoto, R., Kato, N., & Iwanami, A. (2012). Mental and behavioral symptoms of person’s with Asperger’s syndrome: Relationships with social isolation and handicaps. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 6(2), 907–912. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rasd.2011.12.004

[16] https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2021/10/05/rising-share-of-u-s-adults-are-living-without-a-spouse-or-partner/ 

[17] Farley, M., Cottle, K. J., Bilder, D., Viskochil, J., Coon, H., & McMahon, W. (2018). Mid-Life Social Outcomes for a Population-Based Sample of Adults with ASD. Autism Research : Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research, 11(1), 142–152. https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.1897