Asperger syndrome in the bedroom

Abstract

Asperger syndrome (AS) will affect a person's ability to communicate, socially interact and think empathetically. If one or both partners in a relationship are affected by AS this may impact on many areas of the relationship including that of the couple's sexual relationship. Difficulties within the sexual relationship are especially likely to occur if one or both partners also suffer from sensory sensitivity and/or obsessional behaviour. This article addresses some of the issues that are likely to occur in a relationship were one partner is affected by AS. Thepaper offers advice and suggestions as to how a therapist might attempt to address these issues and help to improve the couples sexual relationship and understanding of one another. The paper also highlights the importance of awareness and understanding of AS by both the couple and the therapist and how, ultimately, this awareness can make the difference between the couple resolving their issues and having a working sexual relationship or not.

Keywords:

• Asperger syndrome
• pervasive developmental disorder
• theory of mind
• sexuality
• sexual relationship
• intimacy
• couple therapy
• sensory sensitivity
• sex therapy
• sex refusal