Is There a Connection Between Autism and Asexuality?

Ever wonder if there’s a link between autism and asexuality? You're not the only one. Many autistic adults—or those questioning whether they might be autistic—experience attraction, relationships, and sexuality differently from neurotypical people. Some find that asexuality describes their experience well, while others simply feel that their views on sexuality don’t fit the norm.

So, is there a connection? Let's explore this topic with curiosity and without judgment.

What Is Asexuality?

Asexuality, often called "ace," describes the sexual orientation of someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction. This doesn’t mean they don’t feel romantic attraction or want relationships. Like autism, asexuality is a spectrum and includes identities such as demisexuality (experiencing attraction only after forming a deep emotional bond) and gray-asexuality (experiencing attraction infrequently or under certain conditions). Just like other orientations, asexuality is diverse and personal.

The Overlap Between Autism and Asexuality

Not every autistic person is asexual, and not every asexual person is autistic, but research and lived experience suggest an overlap.

Here are some possible reasons why:

Different Social Norms and Expectations: Autistic people often don’t feel as pressured by society’s expectations around relationships and attraction. This makes us more open to identities outside the traditional mold, including asexuality.
Sensory Sensitivities: Physical touch and intimacy can feel different for autistic individuals, especially if we experience heightened or reduced sensory sensitivity. This may influence how we feel about sexual attraction.
Special Interests: Many autistic people have intense and passionate interests that take up our mental and physical energy, sometimes leaving little room for thoughts about romance or sex.
Difficulty Identifying Emotions (Alexithymia): Some autistic adults find it difficult to recognize and describe feelings, including attraction. This might lead to uncertainty about their sexual or romantic orientation.

What Does the Research Say?

A 2022 review published in Archives of Sexual Behavior explored the link between autism and asexuality. Researchers found several overlapping factors, including prenatal influences, differences in romantic attraction, and variations in sexual desire. The study didn’t prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship, but it suggested autistic people are more likely than neurotypical people to identify as asexual.

This study supports what many autistic voices have expressed—sexuality is complex and personal, and for some, asexuality is the best way to describe their experience.

Autism, Asexuality, and Women

Research also suggests that autistic women and those assigned female at birth (AFAB) may be underdiagnosed due to differences in how autism presents. Similarly, their experiences with sexuality, including asexuality, may also be overlooked. Many autistic women report feeling out of sync with societal expectations around romance and intimacy, and some find that identifying as asexual best fits their experiences. It’s also important to note that the intersection of masking and societal norms (i.e., pressure to engage in romantic or sexual relationships) makes it more challenging for autistic women to recognize and embrace their true identities.

Representation and Validation

Autistic and asexual communities share similar experiences of being misunderstood or dismissed by our neuronormative culture. Both autism and asexuality have been historically seen as issues to "fix" rather than valid identities. But as awareness grows, so does acceptance. More visibility and support allow people to understand themselves better and find others who share their experiences.

If you’re autistic and wondering if you might be asexual or if you already identify as both, we’re glad you’re here! You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s expectations about relationships, attraction, or intimacy.

Finding Community

Exploring your identity can feel overwhelming, but finding community makes a huge difference. Online spaces like the Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN) and autistic-led forums offer support and shared experiences. Connecting with others can help you feel seen and understood.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one way to be autistic or asexual. Some of us autistic people are asexual, and some aren’t. Some asexual people are autistic, and some aren’t. What matters is that you can define your experiences and relationships in a way that feels right to you.

Your identity is valid, just as it is.