Supporting autistic people surrounding sexuality and relationships
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Supporting autistic people – best practice surrounding sexuality and intimate relationships for social care staff
IRAS ID
311451
Contact name
Claire L Bates
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Kent
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Why it is important - Research shows that many autistic people want intimate relationships, but experience challenges. Autistic people can experience social interaction differently including difficulty recognising/understanding others’ feelings and intentions, this can make developing relationships challenging. Also a lack of education or information surrounding sex and relationships can leave autistic people vulnerable to abuse.
Background- The Government’s strategy Think Autism (2014) believes autistic people should be supported to develop relationships. The Core Capabilities Framework for Supporting Autistic People by Health Education England, states social care staff should support autistic people to develop/ maintain relationships, provide sex education, support sexual expression and sexual health and understand how to keep themselves safe.
The questions it will answer and potential benefits – There is no UK research on what support autistic people feel they need from social care staff surrounding sexuality and intimate relationships. There is also no autism-specific guidance for staff in this area. The research will determine what support autistic people need and inform staff on how best to provide this from the perspective of autistic people themselves.
Study design- this will be qualitative study where autistic people will be interviewed about the support they might want and/or need surrounding sexuality and/or intimate relationships from social care staff.
What is involved for participants- Participants will be asked to take part in an online interview lasting approximately one hour on the topic of support surrounding sexuality and intimate relationships.
Who is funding the research- Funded by NIHR - ARC KSS Academy
Where it will be recruiting- The PI runs a national network surrounding positive sexuality support (Supported Loving) so will be using their 1000+ members and active social media channels, as well as their links to professional networks for social care organisations and social media channels.
REC name
London - Camberwell St Giles Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/LO/0216
Date of REC Opinion
21 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion