Sexuality, love and relationships form a significant part of life for many people, including those on the autism spectrum. Autistic people have the same sorts of sexual and intimacy needs as others do. They can have all the different sexualities and gender identities that non-autistic adults can have. Despite this, a lot of the resource material about autism and sexuality reads almost like sex education resources for school students. All too often in life and literature, autistic people are cast as sexless, childlike beings. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. We experience the same sorts of attractions and interest in others that non-autistic people do. The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships addresses this by providing a highly useful guide for adults on the autism spectrum, which focuses on practically everything related to relationships, dating and sex. The book is a refreshingly frank and comprehensive look at a vast range of issues around relationships and sexuality. It is a practical book, filled with useful information about the ‘hidden curriculum’ of relationships and sex. I would have found this book particularly helpful when I was a young adult coming to terms with my gender identity and sexuality and starting to have my first experiences of sexual relationships.
The book is completely free of any kind of judgement or moralizing. It is respectful and inclusive of the various sexualities and gender differences that people have. Writing from her own autistic perspective, Dr Goodall has delivered a valuable guide to friendships, dating and sexual relationships. The book includes detailed information on a number of topics that autistic adults will find useful, such as different types of sexuality, starting relationships, dating, sexual pleasure and ending relationships. The author provides a comprehensive survey of types of relationships people can experience from casual relationships to long-term relationships and marriage. There is also a very helpful section in the book about having children and how this can impact on the relationships between partners. The text is subtle and nuanced, providing information on some complex topics such as people whose sexuality changes over time and how that can impact on their partner. Few topics are left out, so it really is a one-stop-shop for adults on the spectrum wanting to gather some useful strategies and understanding around the topic of relationships.
This is a great book. I really enjoyed reading it and learned a lot. I think a lot of autistic adults will be assisted by this book as they navigate the often challenging and confusing world of sexuality and relationships.
Jeanette Purkis
– Autism advocate, public speaker, author of Finding a Different Kind of Normal and The Wonderful World of Work