Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40264093›Full record

SynthesisBMC psychiatry2025

A systematic review of sexual health, knowledge, and behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Mahtab Motamed, Arman Hajikarim-Hamedani, Arghavan Fakhrian, Javad Alaghband-Rad

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC psychiatry, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 4 papers.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
4citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

4 citing papers in PubMed.

  1. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Among Youth With Autism and ADHD: A Population-Based Study From Sweden.Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research · 2026
    Article
  2. Review
  3. Article
  4. Article
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Mahtab MotamedDepartment of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Arman Hajikarim-HamedaniFaculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Arghavan FakhrianFellowship of Psychosexual Medicine, Department of Psychosexual Medicine, Roozbeh Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Javad Alaghband-RadDepartment of Psychiatry, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. jalaghbandrad@gmail.com.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects social interaction, communication, and behavior, with significant challenges in sexual experiences, relationships, and victimization. This review consolidates findings to improve understanding of sexual health in ASD.

methodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines, studies from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo (1991-2024) were reviewed. Data were extracted using EndNote 21, focusing on demographics, autism support needs, and sexual behaviors. Methodological quality was assessed using modified Cochrane and Effective Public Health Practice Project tools.

resultsAutistic individuals face unique challenges in romantic and sexual relationships, such as sensory sensitivities and communication difficulties. While they share typical sexual desires, these challenges can complicate their relationships and increase the risk of victimization. The review highlights the need for tailored sexual health education and supportive interventions, particularly for those at higher risk.

conclusionThis review emphasizes the need for inclusive sexual health interventions for autistic individuals, considering the heterogeneity of ASD and its impact on sexual well-being. Further research should address current gaps, especially regarding non-Western contexts and individuals with co-occurring intellectual disabilities or gender diversity, to improve support and understanding.

Indexed as

Autism Spectrum DisorderHealth Knowledge, Attitudes, PracticeSexual BehaviorSexual HealthHumansMaleAutismInclusive sexual educationSexual behaviorSexual healthSexual knowledge

Identifiers

PMID40264093
PMCPMC12016163

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.