“…Specifically, two important findings are found in the extant literature: (a) children with ASD experience typical physical development and sexual drives (Elgar, 1985; Money, 1985; Stokes & Kaur, 2005; Torisky & Torisky, 1985; Van Bourgondien, Reichle, & Palmer, 1997), and (b) the many difficulties that individuals with ASD typically experience (e.g., learning social behaviors in unstructured settings, recognizing subtle affective cues, lack of proficient communication skills, and difficulty with perspective-taking ability) may significantly impede the acquisition of sexual knowledge and development (Griffiths et al, 1989; Price, 2003). For example, researchers note that individuals with ASD have limited numbers of complex and rewarding social experiences, little exposure to erotic material during adolescence, and often do not encounter appropriate potential sexual partners, which may contribute to their lack of sexual knowledge (Konstantareas & Lunsky, 1997; Stokes & Kaur, 2005) and possibly result in unacceptable or deviant sexual behaviors (Bleiberg, 2001; Newport & Newport, 2002; Price, 2003; Realmuto & Ruble, 1999). In addition, poor emotional regulation in adolescents and adults with ASD may contribute to improper management of sexual interest and arousal.…”