Autism / Aspergers Syndrome and dubious sexuality?

Question

I know there is a hidden side to autism / aspergers which most psychologists are afraid of touching. I am confident that Autistic people may have socially 'deviant' sexualities, as an autistic person myself I know that my sexuality is rather dubious as I am attracted to 'weird, quirky' people who are by no means perfect. in school there was another kid with Asperger's Syndrome who was very gay. Several self-confessed autistic people i've met online admitted they don't find anything wrong with polyamory, another two I know admit to crossdressing and being attracted to androgynous people. I've looked on a Wikipedia talk page and one person posted about him wondering if his interest in pedophilia is mental. Which got me worried, because I like very skinny girls (but not children). Another autistic person I know is obsessional about asians and bondage.

What is going on here? I can't find any possible explanations or studies dealing with this.

Answer 1

I have to profess extreme ignorance on this subject . . . I know very little about autism in general, and even less on autistic sexuality.

I don't know how much you've looked into it, but there are some studies, which may or may not deal with what you're looking for. I hope they can help, anyways:

http://www.sexsupport.org/AutismResources.html

http://www.autismuk.com/index9sub.htm

http://groups.msn.com/TheAutismHomePage/autismandsexualissues.msnw

"Sex, Sexuality And The Autism Spectrum" by Wendy Lawson (http://www.amazon.com/Sexuality-Autism-Spectrum-Wendy-Lawson/dp/1843102846/ref=sr_1_1/104-6747574-6088722?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1174866220&sr=8-1)

"Autism - Asperger's and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond" by Jerry Newport (http://www.amazon.com/Autism-Aspergers-Sexuality-Puberty-Beyond/dp/1885477880)

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

Asperger syndrome is most certainly a disability. It may or may not be disabling. A disability is something about you that is different than what is expected of a typical or ordinary person. Some disabilities meet qualifications to receive financial benefits, others different types of support services , and some nothing at all. It depends on how much it interferes with your ability to carry on an ordinary life, where you live, and what type of benefit you are seeking. For some having Asperger syndrome is extreme disabling. Try as they might they are unable to find their place within society. Whether this is the fault of the Asperger syndrome or of society many disagree.

Answer 3

Not specific to pedophilia, but there is a link between autism/asperger's and older/younger relationships in general

"Older Individuals may have an interest in friendship but lack understanding of the conventions of social interaction and may more likely make relationships with individuals much older or younger than themselves"

Answer 4

The #1 cause of Autism in the world is the rampant use of vaccines especially those laced with mercury laden Thimerisol.

The brain damage that triggers autistism symptoms may also cause other organic disorders. I know a functional Autistic that has OC disorder.

Raven