Sexuality and Asperger Syndrome

Writing about Love, Sex, and Long-Term Relationships: What People with Asperger Syndrome Really Really Want, Mardi Allen notes:

This book promotes a desire to understand what people with AS really want from relationships. Simple as it sounds, they want to be accepted and loved, and to enjoy intimacy with a partner. There is nothing simple about that for an individual with AS. Most would claim that we've come a long way from the eugenics, ovariectomy, and castration without consent but, really, how far? Do individuals who cope with AS daily still feel unwelcome on the metaphorical dance floor? The pretense of acceptance is halted by the wall of prejudice and stigma against those who experience the world a bit differently. Individuals who have AS continue to be relegated to dance alone or only with a few who are willing to embrace their divergent world. This book takes a positive step in pushing science and practice toward educating about and fostering empathy for a slight variation in a familiar dance.

How can psychologists promote the acceptance of sexuality for members of marginalized groups who have previously been actively discouraged from taking advantage of naturally occurring sexual opportunities?  At what point, if any, does such a proactive stance become problematic?

Read the Review

The Dance Inside ME
By Mardi Allen
      PsycCRITIQUES, 2008 Vol 53(42)

Comments

[Frank Dumont]

This review by Mardi Allen was a pleasure to read. I loved the rhythmicity of the sentences and the gentle treatment of the book. On the other hand, I missed a good definition of Asperger's. Is it a dimensional trait? Is it even a disorder? How trustworthy are the diagnoses? What are the criteria? Is the manifestation of a romantic interest in others an exclusionary criterion for autism? Indeed, on the autistic spectrum how do we distinguish autism from Asperger's? How sure can we be that people in the 16th century who fit our 21st century conception of Asperger's were ovariectomized and castrated—ostensibly to protect society? If we think of people with Asperger's as very very shy people (among other things) how difficult is it to live romantically with moderately shy people? All these questions may be answered in the book. I suppose the reviewer will suggest that I read it and find out. In any event she wrote a delightful review.