Like everyone else, autistic people may want friendships, romantic relationships, love, intimacy, and families of their own. They also experience puberty, sexual feelings, and curiosity about relationships. However, many autistic teens receive an inadequate education on relationships and sex or are taught in ways that do not meet their learning needs. This can leave them with unanswered questions about dating, consent, boundaries, communication, and healthy relationships.
Many parents wonder when they should start teaching their autistic child about relationships. The answer is earlier than many people think. Teaching children about relationships is not the same as teaching them about sex. Instead, it means helping children learn the skills they need to become good friends, respectful classmates, and caring partners one day.
Healthy relationships depend on communication, respect, and consent. Most people learn many of the "rules" of dating by watching others, picking up on social cues, and gaining experience over time. For many autistic people, however, these unwritten rules are much harder to recognize.
Just like anyone else, autistic people have many different feelings about love, relationships, and sex. Some autistic people are interested in dating and romantic relationships, while others are not. Some enjoy sexual relationships, and others do not. There is no one "right" way to experience sexuality.
Occupational therapy helps people of all ages learn or improve the skills they need for everyday life. It focuses on helping people take part in activities that are important and meaningful to them. These activities can include: Activities of daily living (eating, dressing, etc.), Caregiver and family support / training, Fall prevention, home safety, and accessibility, Memory, concentration, and executive function techniques, Routine establishment, and Use of adaptive equipment.
