Abstract

Unravelling the complexities of relationships and sexuality, this straight-talking guide will help you to navigate the associated social, emotional and physical issues. Expert advice and real life examples give you the knowledge to reflect on your own sexuality, provide you with information on different types of relationship, and gives you the confidence to decide which type of relationship is right for you. Together with important information on sexual health, this book will help you to understand how to find and maintain a relationship of your choosing in a safe and enjoyable way.

Exploring the often unspoken rules of sex and relationships, this book also covers often unaddressed topics, such as:

· what sexual attraction looks and feels like
· how to identify your own sexual identity and preferences (and how they may change)
· what your rights are, and how to stay safe
· having children, or choosing not to, the impact of this on relationships
· how to recognise power imbalances within relationships, and what to do

Emma Goodall, PhD, is a Senior Autism Advisor in South Australia and an executive committee member of the Australian Society for Autism Research (ASfAR) as well as an executive committee member for the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand (ASAN Aus/NZ). Emma has volunteered for an HIV support service, was married and divorced by the age of 22 and has a range of friends across all genders and with a variety of sexualities. As an educator, she understands the damage that bad information can cause in relation to being able to live happily and enjoy one's sexuality. Emma lives in Adelaide, South Australia, with her partner.

All too often in life and literature autistic people are cast as sexless, childlike beings. In fact, this could not be further from the truth. The Autism Spectrum Guide to Relationships and Sexuality addresses this by providing a highly useful guide for adults on the autism spectrum which focusses on practically everything related to relationships, dating and sex. I would have found this book particularly helpful when I was a young adult coming to terms with my gender identity and sexuality and starting to have my first experiences of sexual relationships.

The book is completely free of any kind of judgement or moralising. It is respectful and inclusive of the various sexualities and gender differences that people have. The book includes detailed information on a number of topics which autistic adults will find useful, such as different types of sexuality, starting relationships, dating, sexual pleasure and ending relationships. The text is subtle and nuanced, providing information on some complex topics such as people whose sexuality changes over time and how that can impact on their partner. Few topics are left out so it really is a one-stop-shop for adults on the spectrum wanting to gather some useful strategies and understanding around the topic of relationships.

From the foreword by Jeanette Purkis, autism advocate, public speaker and author of Finding a Different Kind of Normal and The Wonderful World of Work
The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships is a solid guide...Powerful, easy-to-read and practical advice providing knowledge and strategies for people with autism.
Ioannis Voskopoulos and Labrini Ioannou, Psychologists