Nine Tips for Navigating Physical Touch and Sexual Intimacy for Autistic People

💬Understanding and communicating wants and needs are crucial in navigating physical touch and sexual intimacy for autistic individuals.

🚫It's important to prioritize consent and never do anything you don't want to do.

⏰Discuss expectations and create a safe word to communicate comfort levels and boundaries.

⛑️Consider exploring therapeutic options, such as somatic therapy or sensate focus, to work through trauma and enhance comfort with physical touch.

🕯️Use non-verbal cues, like a lamp or candle, to communicate preferences and availability for physical intimacy.

How can I communicate my boundaries and preferences to my partner?

—Open and honest communication is key. Discuss expectations, use non-verbal cues, and establish a safe word to express comfort levels and boundaries.

What if I have experienced trauma in the past that affects my comfort with physical touch?

—Consider exploring therapeutic options like somatic therapy or sensate focus to work through trauma and enhance your comfort with physical touch.

How can I navigate physical intimacy when I have limited energy or 'spoons'?

—Use Spoon Theory to communicate and manage available energy reserves. Communicate with your partner and find ways to support each other's needs and conserve spoons.

Is it okay to change my mind about physical intimacy?

—Absolutely. Consent is ongoing and can be withdrawn at any time. It's essential to prioritize your comfort and communicate your boundaries with your partner.

How can I create a safe and validating environment for exploring physical touch and intimacy?

—Stay curious, be open-minded, and foster an atmosphere of trust and respect. Encourage open communication, active listening, and mutual understanding.

00:00Introduction and overview of the video series about autism and sexuality.

02:09Tip 1: Understand that your wants and needs are valid.

03:24Tip 2: Never do anything you don't want to do.

04:37Tip 3: Talk about expectations beforehand and establish a safe word.

06:34Tip 4: Explore the role of rejection-sensitive dysphoria in your relationship.

07:56Tip 5: Explore therapeutic options for working through trauma.

08:32Tip 6: Find ways to ease the transition into physical touch.

09:25Tip 7: Use non-verbal cues to communicate preferences.

10:08Tip 8: Learn about Spoon Theory to manage energy reserves.

10:59Tip 9: Stay curious and have fun with physical intimacy.