Abstract

Adolescence is viewed as a critical period of sexual scouting and experimenting between fantasies and realities. Experiences of adolescents with ASD of coping with demands of growing-up, and sexual puberty issues are scarce. Sexuality education is an important developmental task during adolescents influenced by hormonal puberty body changes. As a result, adolescents with autism develop sexually in the same way as their peer age group, but may require extra help to build the social skills and maturity that go along with sexual development of puberty. The sexuality education needs of adolescence with ASD are unique; and are not adequately addressed in the existing curriculum on sexuality education programmes. An issue of sexuality education is only implemented when behaviour is demonstrated that is considered deviant or problematic. Adolescent learners with ASD are often viewed as innocent and the need for sexuality education may be overlooked and ignored by both parents and teachers. Parents and teachers fear engaging discussions on sexuality issues; that it will increase sexual experimentation with ASD adolescents. Adolescents with ASD have sexual needs but may not understand their physical and emotional development experience if not guided.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; sexuality education and parents