written by: Karli Wilson, F2F intern, spring 2024
With April being both Autism awareness month and sexual assault awareness month, it is an ideal time to shed light on where these topics intersect. Sexual violence, a pervasive issue that affects all walks of life and is often overlooked or misunderstood, especially when it comes to how it impacts neurodivergent individuals. Neurodiversity means a difference in neurological functioning. It is an umbrella term for a wide range of experiences, including sensory processing and communication differences. It encompasses individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Those within the neurodiverse community have unique and individual experiences with the world. Sexual violence presents unique challenges for those who experience, report, and recover from it. In this blog, we'll delve into the intersection of Autism and sexual violence, shedding light on the complexities involved and exploring avenues for support and advocacy.
Understanding Neurodiversity & Sexual Assault Statistics:
Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent challenges with social interaction, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. These characteristics can manifest in a wide range of intensity and may vary significantly from one individual to another.
According to research, males are more likely than females to be diagnosed with autism. However, this may be due to differences in presentation rather than prevalence. Females with autism often exhibit different patterns of behavior and may camouflage their symptoms more effectively than males, leading to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis. They may also have other interests and coping mechanisms compared to males with autism. Co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and depression can complicate the diagnostic process for females with autism. A gender-sensitive approach to diagnosing and supporting individuals with autism is becoming increasingly popular as a means of ensuring that they receive the appropriate care and support.
According to a survey conducted in 2022, a staggering 90% of autistic women have faced sexual violence, which is two to three times higher than the rate among non-autistic women. This statistic is alarming and highlights a significant issue within the autistic community. Regarding sexual violence and assault, research indicates that sexual victimization is a particular concern for autistic youth. Studies have shown that autistic individuals, especially those with profound disabilities, are at a significantly greater risk of experiencing unwanted sexual contact, violence, and victimization compared to their non-autistic counterparts. Autistic youth are reported to be three to four times more likely than non-autistic youth to experience sexual victimization, and between 40% and 50% of autistic adults report experiencing sexual abuse during childhood (Autism Research Institute, 2023).
Similarly, autistic adults also face a higher prevalence of sexual harassment and abuse compared to the neurotypical population. A recent investigation into violence experienced by autistic adults found that 75.4% of participants reported sexual harassment, with nearly 60% reporting experiences of sexual violence. In comparison, the rates among non-autistic participants were lower, at 56.4% for sexual harassment and 28.2% for sexual violence (Autism Research Institute, 2023).
This heightened risk of sexual victimization extends to girls, women, and female-presenting autistic individuals. An online survey revealed that as many as nine out of every ten autistic women have experienced sexual violence, with 75% reporting that their first experience occurred during childhood or adolescence. These findings underscore the urgent need for awareness, advocacy, and support to address the vulnerabilities faced by autistic individuals, especially women and youth, in the face of sexual violence and victimization (Autism Research Institute, 2023).
Risks & Ways to Combat Sexual Violence
Infantilization of Neurodivergent People:
The infantilization of neurodivergent individuals refers to society's tendency to treat them as if they were younger or less mature than their actual age or capabilities. This can occur in various aspects of life, including education, employment, healthcare, and interpersonal relationships.
In healthcare settings, neurodivergent individuals may be dismissed or disbelieved when expressing their symptoms or concerns, leading to inadequate treatment or support. Healthcare providers may overlook their capacity for decision-making and involve them less in their care planning.
In interpersonal relationships, neurodivergent individuals may be patronized or treated as if they cannot make their own choices or understand complex situations. Friends, family members, or caregivers may exert excessive control over their lives, denying them agency and independence.
Sexual Health Education:
Overall, equipping individuals (especially youth) with accurate and complete knowledge of sex and sexuality allows them to have the vocabulary and understanding if they are assaulted, especially within the neurodivergent community, who are overlooked and also underestimated as they go into their adult lives. Moreover, individuals within the neurodiverse community often receive less education on sexual health and have limited exposure to their peers' dating norms and practices. This lack of understanding can leave them susceptible to sexual assault and exploitation and, in some cases, may inadvertently lead to violations of sexual ethics. “A 2021 study on psychosexual knowledge and education found that autistic adults had less sex-related knowledge and higher rates of victimization compared with neurotypical respondents.” (Autism Research Institute, 2023)
Aftercare:
Neurodiverse survivors will need treatment/aftercare that takes their sensory and cognitive differences into account (Evolve Team, 2021).
In conclusion, it's crucial to recognize the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. The statistics reveal a stark reality: neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism, are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing sexual violence and harassment compared to the general population. This vulnerability stems from various factors, including education barriers, lack of understanding from the general public, and societal biases towards neurodivergent people. Combatting sexual violence within the neurodivergent community requires advocating for better access to comprehensive sexual health education, challenging the infantilization of neurodivergent individuals, and ensuring trauma-informed support services that accommodate their needs.
Moving forward, it's essential to amplify the voices of neurodivergent survivors, center their experiences in advocacy efforts, and work towards creating a society where all individuals, regardless of neurodiversity, can live free from the fear of sexual violence.
Citations:
Autism Research Institute. (2023, September 1). Sexual victimization in autism. https://autism.org/sexual-victimization-in-autism/
Evolve Team. (2021, April 30). Tough to talk about: Sexual assault and exploitation as it impacts the Neurodiversity Community. https://www.evolve-coaching.org/post/tough-to-talk-about-sexual-assault-and-exploitation-as-it-impacts-the-neurodiversity-community
Resources:
National Sexual Assault Hotline (Available 24 hours): 1-800-656-4673
Responding to Survivors with Autsim Spectrum Disorders: an Overview for Sexual Assault Advocates