Posted on March 10, 2025

Sexual health is more than puberty and sex. Sexual health education is also about personal safety, self-knowledge and advocacy, individual values, social and communication skills, concepts like consent and public versus private, decision-making, gender identity, sexual orientation, and healthy relationships. Autistic individuals often miss out on these important learning opportunities. This may be a result of our own discomfort, ways of thinking about disability and sexuality, and misconceptions. Misconceptions may include autistic individuals are uninterested in having emotionally and physically intimate relationships, are unable to be a good friend or partner, are incapable of forming relationships, lack the ability to comprehend, and will suddenly engage in unsafe sexual behaviors.

The autistic community is actively advocating for comprehensive sexual health education, working to dispel myths, and emphasizing that knowledge is both empowering and protective. Families and caregivers are also sharing their experiences, recognizing that while education may need to be tailored to each individual, it is still necessary. Pay attention to your child—what are their words and actions telling you? Being open-minded and providing clear, honest information fosters trust, reduces misunderstandings, and creates a safe environment for learning and growth. Ideally, sexual health education begins early and continues throughout life, but it is never too late to start. As we often say at START, “Start somewhere and start now.” Our spotlight resource, along with additional materials, will help get you started.

OAR’s Sex Ed for Self-Advocates welcomes families/caregivers and explains, [s]exuality education encompasses a wide range of topics that are sometimes uncomfortable to discuss in everyday conversation. This guide is intended to serve people on the autism spectrum by presenting information in a manner that is easily accessible and relevant to them. As parents, you play an important role as sexuality educators. Your attitudes, values, and approach to sexuality education will frame your child’s values, beliefs, and understanding of sexuality and his or her relationship with others.”

Additional Resources: 

• START's Sexual Health and Puberty
• We Need to Talk about It: Sexual Health and Students with ASD - START Connecting 
• START's Sexual Health Resource Database
• Sex Positive Families
• Sexual Health and Wellness - PEATC (Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center)
• Watson Institute - Sexual Education for Children with Disabilities 
• Elevatus - What if We Started Earlier? Teaching Young Children about Bodies, Relationships, and Sexuality - Part 1
• Elevatus - What if We Started Earlier? Teaching Young Children about Bodies, Relationships, and Sexuality - Part 2

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