Autistic Young Adults’ Experiences with School-Based Sex Education

This study aims to better understand autistic young adults’ experiences with school-based sex education and identify ways to make sex education more accessible and inclusive. We are interested in learning what topics were covered during sex education, what aspects participants found helpful, and what improvements could better support autistic students.

Autistic young adults ages 18–21 who live in the United States and received sex education in high school are eligible to participate. Participants must have a formal autism diagnosis and be willing to complete a one-time virtual interview conducted over Zoom.

Participants will complete a brief electronic eligibility screening form (10 minutes) and provide documentation of an autism diagnosis to confirm eligibility. Following screening, participants will complete an electronic demographic form (10 minutes). Select participants will be invited to complete a one-time virtual interview conducted over Zoom lasting approximately 45 minutes. During the interview, participants will be asked about their experiences with sex education in high school, including topics that were covered, what they found helpful, and ways sex education could be improved to better meet the needs of autistic students. Participants who complete the interview will receive a $25 Visa e-gift card as a thank you for their time.

Autistic individuals often report that school-based sex education does not fully address their needs or experiences. By learning directly from autistic young adults about their experiences with sex education in high school, this study aims to identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for improvement. Findings from this study may help educators, clinicians, and researchers develop more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful sex education programs for autistic students, ultimately supporting their health, relationships, and overall well-being.