PARENTAL PERSPECTIVE ON AUTISTIC ADOLESCENTS’ SEXUALITY
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v6i6.915Keywords:
parent-child, sexuality communication, autism spectrum disorder, adolescents, MalaysiaAbstract
Autistic adolescents experience sexual development much like their neurotypical peers but they often lack adequate sexual knowledge due to social communication deficits and limited access to sexuality education. Parents, being those who are aware of their children’s development, or lack thereof, become the primary source of sexuality education, yet they face significant challenges in such communication. However, parent-child sexuality communication remains under-researched in Malaysia. This study explored Malaysian parents’ awareness of their autistic adolescents’ sexual behaviours and their perceptions of the need for sexuality communication. Using a qualitative, phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of adolescents with autism and analysed thematically. Findings revealed that mothers were aware of their children’s emerging romantic interests and self-stimulating behaviours. However, conversations regarding complex sexuality topics were largely avoided due to adolescents’ perceived lack of readiness and autism-related deficits. Despite this, mothers believed sexuality communication was necessary, primarily to protect their children from sexual exploitation, discourage socially inappropriate behaviours, and to promote personal hygiene. Findings underscore parents’ responsibility in being mindful of adolescents’ sexual development and to foster a safe and informed sexual environment for adolescents with ASD. This study contributes to literature on parent-child sexuality communication in Malaysian families with autistic adolescents.
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