What are the implications of sexual abuse within the autism population?

Haynes, Gaynor Ann (2025). What are the implications of sexual abuse within the autism population? University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to examine the experience of sexual abuse through an in-depth phenomenological exploration with autistic survivors. The methodological approach utilised was Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, considered appropriate for sensitive research. The subject selection for this qualitative research was purposeful and comprised four females and two males with a mean age of twenty-six. They were selected because of their lived experiences of sexual abuse and therefore, they were best suited to inform the research questions. The autistic voice is lacking in research and this study helps to bridge the gap in the literature by gaining the autistic perspective.

The method of data collection comprised six semi-structured interviews which accessed the first-hand voices directly from the individuals. Emotion work theory was utilised to enhance the interpretation of the data, and incorporated the experiences and emotions of both the researcher and the participants. The combination of emotion work and primary data brought to life the ‘thinking’ and ‘feeling’ of sexual abuse which is lacking within sensitive research. It added a nuanced and in-depth insight into this much-neglected topic and six superordinate themes emerged. They highlighted the implications and complexities associated with sexual abuse in the autism population. 1. ‘The bleeding edge of autistic pain’ demonstrated the distress caused by sexual abuse severely impacting upon a survivor’s physical and psychological well-being. It brought attention to self-injurious behaviour including suicidal ideation. Participants described aspects of autism that seemed to compound sexual vulnerability. 2. ‘My dysfunctional family came at a cost’ highlighted the damage caused by living within this environment whilst considering the disclosure of sexual abuse. 3. ‘Autistic chameleon in a crowd’ predominantly focused on the dangers associated with autistic camouflaging and people-pleasing. 4. ‘Rape culture: The reality beyond the myth’ identified that each participant became a victim of rape culture despite controversial perceptions that it is a myth. The participants were sexually vulnerable and experienced the subsets of rape culture which was exacerbated by being autistic. 5. ‘Specialist support services: Where are they’? emphasised the lack of specialist support and disjointed support services for autistic survivors of sexual abuse. The participants who accessed inappropriate therapeutic interventions were retraumatised. This highlighted that those positioned to aid the healing process of autistic survivors lacked the appropriate knowledge and skills to effectively support them. 6. ‘The importance of sex education for autistic people: The missing pieces’? demonstrated how the participants’ experiences added to the knowledge base regarding suitable topics to be included in current sex education programmes to promote healthier decisions, and to aid the sexual safety of the autism population.

This research offers an original contribution to the field of autism and sexual abuse by utilising primary data as opposed to secondary data which may not offer an authentic representation of real-life experiences. Autistic individuals and those who are marginalised and discriminated against are highly susceptible to sexual abuse and violence taking many forms. There is a stark gap in the research addressing this topic, but this study has contributed to knowledge by identifying the implications of the impact of sexual abuse in the autism population. It evidenced that not being in receipt of a childhood autism diagnosis contributed towards the safety, health, well-being, and autistic sexual vulnerability of the participants. A diagnosis at the time of accessing support services is valuable for practitioners whilst providing specialist therapeutic interventions. The effects of the intersecting taboo of autism, sexual abuse, mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder are missing in the current literature. This research bridges the fundamental gap and recommendations are put forward regarding the implications for policy, practice and support, and future research which are discussed to serve towards the safety needs of those who are all too often silenced.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):