Purpose <p>Research shows sensory processing impacts the personal experiences of autistic individuals, including sexual and intimate relationships. Despite this knowledge, sensory processing is not adequately addressed in sexuality-based services provided to this population. This study explores how professionals (teachers, therapists, sexologists, etc.) address sensory processing through the following research question: How is sensory processing currently being addressed in sexuality-based services for autistic individuals?</p> Methods <p>This 16-item exploratory survey was developed to examine how sensory processing is addressed by professionals providing sexuality-based services to autistic individuals. A survey link was shared with organizations who agreed to assist with recruitment. Participants had to hold a valid professional license, provide sex education, and have worked with autistic individuals within the last year. Data collection occurred over a period of two months.</p> Results <p>Survey respondents included 29 participants from nine disciplines. Thirteen respondents reported regularly evaluating sensory processing; whereas, 19 provided intervention. The primary reasons for not assessing or treating sensory processing was lack of training and resources, and standard practices. The proprioceptive and vestibular systems were addressed the least. Intervention approaches lacked clear evidence to support effectiveness and were primarily focused on treating hypersensitivity. Hyposensitivity or mixed sensory patterning (e.g., hyper and hyposensitivity) was largely overlooked.</p> Conclusion <p>Currently, there are no known sexuality-based curricula specific to the sensory processing needs of autistic individuals. Additional research is needed to develop evidence-based, autism-specific resources that address sensory processing needs of this population.</p>

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Sensory Processing in Sexuality-Based Services for Autistic Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Survey

  • Sarah Gray,
  • Jennifer Fortuna,
  • Brittany Jones,
  • Derek Lilley,
  • Jillian Maginn

摘要

Purpose

Research shows sensory processing impacts the personal experiences of autistic individuals, including sexual and intimate relationships. Despite this knowledge, sensory processing is not adequately addressed in sexuality-based services provided to this population. This study explores how professionals (teachers, therapists, sexologists, etc.) address sensory processing through the following research question: How is sensory processing currently being addressed in sexuality-based services for autistic individuals?

Methods

This 16-item exploratory survey was developed to examine how sensory processing is addressed by professionals providing sexuality-based services to autistic individuals. A survey link was shared with organizations who agreed to assist with recruitment. Participants had to hold a valid professional license, provide sex education, and have worked with autistic individuals within the last year. Data collection occurred over a period of two months.

Results

Survey respondents included 29 participants from nine disciplines. Thirteen respondents reported regularly evaluating sensory processing; whereas, 19 provided intervention. The primary reasons for not assessing or treating sensory processing was lack of training and resources, and standard practices. The proprioceptive and vestibular systems were addressed the least. Intervention approaches lacked clear evidence to support effectiveness and were primarily focused on treating hypersensitivity. Hyposensitivity or mixed sensory patterning (e.g., hyper and hyposensitivity) was largely overlooked.

Conclusion

Currently, there are no known sexuality-based curricula specific to the sensory processing needs of autistic individuals. Additional research is needed to develop evidence-based, autism-specific resources that address sensory processing needs of this population.