The Haracopos and Pederson study (1992) showed not only 50% of autistic people masturbated in public, but that from those who demonstrate sexual behavior towards others, 90% choose people who have absolutely no interest in responding to these actions. These numbers show that although sexual behavior is desired, it is performed inappropriately with both masturbation and affection for others. One major contribution to this bizarre behavior is that autistic people do not hide their sexual desires. The brain disorder affects intelligence and the ability to understand what others are trying to teach or explain. Therefore, they act in any which way because they do not know what is right and wrong. Furthermore, if their atypical behavior is disapproved or criticized, an autistic person may generate anxiety or display aggressive and irrational behavior (Mortlock 1993). It is common that excessive masturbation or inability to masturbate to satisfaction may cause acute frustration. Although there is a high display of inappropriate sexual behavior, it is mostly attributed to a lack of modesty and understanding (Mortlock 1993). Apart from the inapt behavior, there are also behavioral problems that occur with unsettled sexual problems. .
Unresolved sexual problems relate closely with behavioral troubles in several ways. Primarily, self-mutilation occurs in every 3 of 5 autistic people. For residents with fair to good spoken language, who also have signs of sexual behavior towards others, there is a rather high occurrence of self-destructive behavior. This occurs due to rejection, since the others do not respond positively. Many times, anti-psychotic medicine is given to counteract with the aggression and frustration caused by rejection (Haracopos and Pederson 1992). These behavioral problems are similar to the problems seen relating to sexual relationships.
Autistic people are unable or have a high degree of difficulty in forming sexual relationships with others.
