The Tragic Truth About Sexual Abuse and Autism

Autism and Sexual Trauma: Understanding the Overlap

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Recently, I had the opportunity to sit with a group of autistic adults and witness the profound impact of sexual trauma on their lives. This issue affects both genders, although it is more commonly experienced by individuals assigned female at birth (afab). The intersection between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and autism has been studied extensively, with research indicating that 66% of autistic adults have PTSD, and 91% of afab autistic individuals meet diagnostic criteria for PTSD. While these statistics provide clinical insight, they fail to capture the depth of emotion and personal experiences shared by autistic adults when discussing their history of trauma.

The Impact on Autistic Women

During our discussion, every afab individual in the room shared different versions of the same story – they had been subjected to sexual abuse during their childhood. As autistic children, they struggled to comprehend the gravity of the crimes committed against them, but they knew that these experiences made them unhappy and uncomfortable. Unfortunately, their attempts to disclose the abuse to trusted adults were often met with reprimand or dismissal, leaving them without the means to understand or seek help for their situation.

It is important to note that all of the autistic women present had experienced sexual abuse as girls. Due to their limited understanding of what constituted “normal,” they were unable to fully grasp the severity of the crimes perpetrated against them. While they knew they despised these experiences, they had become accustomed to being forced into uncomfortable situations as autistic children. Whether it was consuming food they disliked or enduring overwhelming sensory environments, their complaints were often dismissed as unreasonable. Autistic children are taught that their discomfort is abnormal, leading them to perceive the crimes committed against them as just another unpleasant demand from adults. Many attempted to communicate their experiences to other adults in their lives, but were either ignored or unable to effectively convey their emotions due to communication difficulties or being labeled as overly emotional.

The Impact on Autistic Men

It is crucial to acknowledge that men within the autistic community also fall victim to sexual abuse. As a practitioner, I regularly hear stories of such experiences from autistic men in my practice, support groups, events, and online discussions. These narratives consistently break my heart. Autistic children are particularly vulnerable to sexual predators within both familial and community settings. Their loneliness and desire for attention, which often goes unmet due to the focus on their perceived behavioral shortcomings, make them easy targets. Additionally, their lack of understanding about social cues and limited female friendships further exacerbate their vulnerability. Autistic individuals are accustomed to being labeled as “weird,” making it easier for them to be gaslit and manipulated. Furthermore, their difficulty in recognizing danger in others means that they often only realize a crime has been committed against them long after the fact.

Respecting Autistic Boundaries

Personally, I have spent my entire life attempting to assert boundaries in various aspects of my daily life. However, my requests are often met with skepticism or dismissed as a result of my autism. For instance, when I express that the grocery store overwhelms me and triggers meltdowns, people often insist that I need to develop coping skills and accuse me of using my autism as an excuse for “bad” behavior. Similarly, when I state my aversion to vegetables, I am told that it is unacceptable and that I must consume them regardless of my dislike. Throughout my life, I have been repeatedly told that I am too sensitive when I express discomfort with loud noises. Moreover, when I communicate my limitations, I am labeled as rude, mean, insensitive, or weak. The word “no” has never held any weight in the presence of those around me, and I have been conditioned to ignore my own instincts and trust the judgment of neurotypical individuals since childhood. Given this context, it is unsurprising that I did not find it unusual for a man to ignore my requests to cease unwanted sexual activity and later attempt to convince me that it was in my best interest.

As we enter April and Autism Awareness Month, it is crucial to shift our focus from forcing autistic individuals to conform to neurotypical societal norms to respecting their boundaries. Autistic voices, needs, and wants are equally valid and should be acknowledged and respected. By prioritizing the autonomy and well-being of autistic individuals, we can work towards a more inclusive society that upholds the principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality and Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
• SDG 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.4: Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among autistic adults.
• Indicator for SDG 5.2: Proportion of autistic women who have experienced sexual abuse.
• Indicator for SDG 10.2: Proportion of autistic individuals who feel their boundaries and needs are respected.
• Indicator for SDG 16.2: Number of reported cases of sexual abuse against autistic children and adults.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: psychologytoday.com

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