Sexual Intimacy in Autistic Adults (Autism & Sexuality PT 3)

Autistic people often struggle with sensory overwhelm, delayed processing, and trouble understanding expectations, all of which can cause problems within the context of a relationship. This video explores 9 practical tips for navigating physical touch and sexual intimacy in neurodivergent relationships. This is Part 3 of my series Autism and Sexuality (see below for links to Parts 1 & 2). Scroll down for timestamps to jump to a specific section in the video.
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Autism and Sexuality Part 1 (General Overview): • Autism and Sexuality
Autism and Sexuality Part 2: Defining Important Terms for Gender and Sexual Identity • Autism and Sexuality P...
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🖥 Mom on the Spectrum website: www.momonthespectrum.life
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Online Autism Groups and Classes: www.momonthespectrum.life/con...
Spoon theory: butyoudontlooksick.com/articl...
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria: my.clevelandclinic.org/health...
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⏰ TIMESTAMPS ⏰
0:53 Disclaimer
1:36 A bid for connection with your partner
2:15 Requirements for having a productive conversation with your partner
2:50 List begins
2:57 Understand your wants and needs are valid
3:22 Don't do anything you don't want to do
4:36 Talk about expectations beforehand
6:34 Explore the role that Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria might be playing
7:16 Explore therapeutic options
7:49 Explore ways to ease the transition
8:31 Use nonverbal cues to communicate preferences
9:24 Learn more about spoon theory
11:07 Stay curious and have fun
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DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, KZbin Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, KZbin channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.
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You are a beautiful person worthy of love! Comment with your favorite emoji so I can say hi and connect with you.
#actuallyautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[@OldTimer1970]

I try to comment, but end up writing a novel. So, I'll only say this, thank you for touching on this subject openly and honestly.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🙏🏼 you’re welcome

[@sebben13]

Hahaha, that happens to me all the time too xD

[@vivianstewart7523]

Nothing wrong with 'writing a novel'!

[@justno789]

Omg the novel, my lyf. I'm trying not to do it now. 😂

[@krystenc2486]

Glad it’s not just me who does this ❤

[@HKMcRooney]

To people sending the emails: These videos are for people like me. I have only had sex with one person, it took five years into our relationship, and a terminal cancer diagnosis (him not me) for it to happen. I love him so much. We've been together 9 years as of 3/14, I am 33 years old, and, despite being told he only had a year to live, he's made it 4 and we just celebrated his 30th birthday in February. That being said, I hate having sex so much. It is a very real problem in our relationship. He's been amazing and the only person I've been able to stand being around for the better part of a decade, but just last night we were up until 6AM arguing about this issue (our normal bedtime is 2AM). I was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and PTSD at the beginning of last month and I have been doing so much research to figure myself out. After last night, I figure it was time to get over the subject and watch a video about sex, but let's make it about autism too. I rarely cry watching KZbin videos, and before just today, I thought it was stupid when people say things like, "I feel so seen right now," but here I am, bawling my eyes out because things finally make so much sense and I can go inside to show him this series and make it make sense to him instead of talking in circles and getting nowhere or making it worse. I'm really good at talking in circles and making it worse. I need these videos, not you. I am so happy these videos exist, even though I hate the topic of sex as a whole. Trust, I would NOT be making this comment at ALL unless I thought it was important. Sometimes thinking about sex makes me feel like I might puke, and talking about it in real life is so hard and so embarrassing and I hate doing it so, so, so much, but this information is so life-changing for me that I might actually stand some semblance of a chance at getting somewhere with this problem. It definitely will make my relationship better. If it only brings understanding and less arguing, that's already a good improvement. I've never been excited to watch videos about sex, much less REWATCH videos about sex. I'm so sorry for the wall of text, but thank you if you've read it.

[@dlollard]

I find that if I can overcome the shyness, then the bluntness can be a secret power. Like saying, "I respect your boundaries, but I'd love to snuggle," or, "can I kiss you on the cheek?" and then of course respecting their boundaries and gauging their degree of openness to such.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🙌🏻

[@yelodoggie]

I love the idea of nonverbal messages to let your partner know if you are open to intimacy. That's brilliant, as it avoids a lot 9f awkwardness.

[@charleshanson9467]

My partner and I made and shared with each other "want will won't" lists. The amount of discussion and windows it opened has boosted the areas we've started to explore together.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

[@recoveringsoul755]

Ohhh great idea

[@O-Demi]

We absolutely need a video about staying safe/feeling safe in relationships!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Noted!

[@Andre_Ons_Marshall]

Thank you for talking about this. I've been married for 28 years. I've never felt comfortable with being touched . I've longed to be hugged but it feels uncomfortable. Over the last few years, sex has been non-existent and I’ve felt horrible as a husband but I hate the whole physical touch as an autistic man.

[@BuckEboo]

So glad you are addressing this topic. When I gave up the idea of how my partner and I should interact based on a perceived social script and we started paying attention to what makes sense for us it made us both happier. Scheduling sounds like a sex killer but with ND it is more comfortable by eliminating anxiety over the unknown and transitions.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes 🙌🏻 totally support throwing out the perceived social script

[@sciencenotsrigma]

I am in favor of scheduling everything social!

[@flowerboy7810]

I have struggled so much in previous relationships because of exactly what you mention in tip #2. There is a huge cultural expectation that mens sexual needs take priority and it's all chalked up to testosterone. Well now I'm the one on testosterone and guess what? I still have a much lower sex drive than my partner - turns out I'm ace! When I started dating my current partner I made a promise to myself that I would no longer have sex that I didn't want to have. Life changing! Definitely not only applicable for a-spec people.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I know! It’s wild how hard it has been for me to create a new pattern there for myself as well. The cultural expectations are deeply ingrained.

[@neant2046]

This is an incredibly kind and compassionate series about an icky topic that people are so often shy to really openly talk about. Thank you for putting it out here, Taylor, it means a lot, and it is really needed ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This means a lot to me. Thank you for sharing!

[@T1MB05L1C3]

I've seen people use LED strips with different colors to indicate different levels of communication on mood. Could definitely be something I do in the future if I end up in a relationship

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing this suggestion! Great idea.

[@ladyamalthea85]

Oh, I'm suddenly realising transitions are a challenge for me!

[@memery2781]

This was so well-handled, Taylor. It's a difficult subject, and I don't even know how to comment without saying more than I probably should. To keep things vague, I agree that it's so important to keep an open mind about touch and intimacy when one or both partners is neurodivergent. I'm 8 years into my relationship with my partner and I was just diagnosed this year - we've done a lot of adapting and a lot of communicating lately. There are so many things that I'm just now understanding about how my mind and body operate, and therefore I'm finally able to communicate the "why" behind my preferences. It's not always easy but it's also empowering to have words now and a partner who is willing to hear them. ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes, understanding the "Why" is so so important. So glad to hear you're learning new ways to communicate and accommodate your relationship.

[@Gwenx]

I find that a lot of autistic people in my life that are sexually active, actully leans over to the kink side! I have a good friend who loves puppy play, and are exploring other kinky things like electic stuff, spankings and that kinda thing ❤ I heard from many that roleplaying in some form can be helpfull. Sharing porn too, like watching something or looking at pictures that gets you in the mood! To me blindfolding has helped a ton, because i dont know what to do with my eyes, open or closed, eyecontact or not. Many like masturbation, alone or together! I think there are so many fun ways to have sex but our standard is a hetrosexual couple, laying on top of eachother moaning for 5 minutes and then its done. And it can be that, but it can also be so much more if that isnt doing it for you! I do have some sexual trauma, especially from privous relationships - i dont like penetration, it hurts badly, i usually rip, and that takes about 5-7 days before it heals.. So while we figure out what is up and down, can we "fix" the rip or something, we have sex in other ways and its more engaging to me! I love toutch, especially soft toutch, so thats a big part of it!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

lots of great information here!! Thank you for sharing. I especially love your suggestion about blindfolding... GREAT idea for sensory overwhelm.

[@lisabmpls]

Once again hitting it out of the park, Taylor! Thank you for this “episode” and the entire series! I keep learning new things…and having other things validated makes me feel much less alone! My partner and I have a schedule and at first it seemed so unromantic. But it has taken the guess work out of wondering if the other person was in the mood or not which was a huge source of anxiety before. That alone has made the whole experience better. Another thing we talked about early on…albeit with lots of cringe…was words that weren’t “safe”. For instance…and hopefully without too much TMI…I hate the word panties. Always have. So for me that was a no go. Having that conversation was anxiety-producing but it was gonna be worse if I didn’t say something. So in a choice between anxiety and hell, I reasoned that anxiety was more tolerable😂

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I HATE THAT WORD TOO!! 🫣 omgsh thanks for sharing 😅 and yes the scheduling may seem unromantic but it actually clears up other anxiety and creates more space for intimacy. 💕

[@neowolf09]

I totally agree that a safe word is so useful outside of more intense stuff. I have one for basic stuff just so my partner, when i have one, knows its not that i dont want him when i need to stop. Oo the nonverbal ques too! I love that! I use socks, i have certain pairs i only wear when im in the mood. 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Ooh love the sock idea! Thanks for sharing. 🧦

[@Emily-es1we]

Thank you! For so many years I thought there was something wrong with me when this affected my relationships. I didn't realise my struggles were related to being autistic as I hadn't heard anyone talk about this before. I hope this video will help me to work out how I feel, with compassion towards myself rather than beating myself up for never seeming to get any of this 'right'. Thank you so much!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! And yes compassion towards yourself is key 💓

[@clivevarley2868]

Thank you for your openness and honesty -but since having any sort of close relationship seems beyond me -knowing I am Autistic hasn't actually changed anything ...

[@ricecristi]

Happy asexual over here too! ❤

[@Underhownd]

Thank you so much for doing videos on this subject! It's hard enough to have information on sexuality even in the neurotypical space. To say that info on intimacy from a neurodivergent POV is little is an understatement. Keep up the awesome work you're doing.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you!

[@chereeburtner4659]

Good tips for people who are not on spectrum as well.

[@Fer-De-Lance]

Thanks Taylor. I do not like being touched unless it is by a woman I am attracted to. I have gotten better at drawing boundaries with people. And I hate it when I feel like I am pressing someone's boundaries or someone is pressing mine.

[@chloebunde4455]

Taylor, thank you for this! Lots of helpful tips! I’m also looking for more of a conversation about exploring/honoring sensory sensitivities with sex. Would love if you addressed this in future videos if you decide to continue the series.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for the suggestion!

[@oorzuis1419]

I really felt that love and the road to getting a love life destroyed my happiness. (ever since my 11th) so later I eradicated it from my social being. together with the tools used to get there, and so overcoming being addicted to substances also. 20 + years later now and 59 thinking about giving it a chance again. but I am insecure about it and wonder if it ever will come that far. glad to have found this, I think it might help me.

[@passaggioalivello]

Thank you Tay, even though intimacy is a scary topic for me, I'm happy to learn something new.

[@ianbradshaw1657]

Thanks Taylor for making this content. You manage to illuminate an awkward subject in a bold yet sensitive way. It's really inspiring! I received my ASD diagnosis this week at the age of 53, which feels like the end of a long road and also the start of a new journey. You are my favourite KZbinr for autism content. Thank you for sharing everything you are learning. I love your energy and vibe.

[@megmaul3123]

Thank you for standing your ground about speaking to these topics. Good boundaries. You're helping people, keep standing up against the negative feedback because you have every right to share your insights on these issues.

[@skywanderer1]

Yes, thank you for covering this topic. As a fellow neurodivergent and non-biinary human and someone who is a social worker/ coach, I find this topic is so important. And I think you did a very good job introducing this topic! Keep doing what you are doing!

[@annaphallactic]

I actually like discussing boundaries, likes, dislikes, etc with a new partner before ever getting intimate. If done right, it can be super hot! I love these videos, so much excellent advice.

[@ElimEx1]

#4 THIS!!! SO MUCH THIS!!! Ty for mentioning that!

[@413078291]

So excited! This it the vid I needed this week, thank you 🙏🏼

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! So glad to hear it. You’re welcome.

[@sarahdaviscc]

Thank you for this series x

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome 🙏🏼

[@Observer31]

a topic you didn't touch upon - and it's not an easy one - is the link between fetishism and autism. Not every kinkster is autistic, but ... there seems to be a trend.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

you're not the first person to mention this!! Yes thanks for mentioning. Actually, Therapy Jeff on TikTok had a video over D/s play recently.

[@Observer31]

@@MomontheSpectrumI will have to look that up, thanks.

[@melissabennett6571]

Great tips. Along with the safe word I would like the add the idea of a “safe touch” for those of us who find verbalizing during moments of overwhelm. My husband and I use the “tap out” touch pattern that wrestlers use to signal “stop everything” It’s absolutely necessary.

[@angelagregoire6811]

You said that so well about telling them to move on if they didn't like this subject

[@nibblesnbits]

Another one of your videos sent me into "research mode" on Autism, and your videos are very eye opening for me. I don't know if I'm on the spectrum, but it has sparked my interest in finding out. I have a very healthy sex life, but the first point here hits HARD. Letting my wife be one the to take care of me is a recent problem (I'm VERY big on taking care of her), and this whole video is helping a lot.

[@helion6884]

It's awesome to see this talked about directly and without shame. We are physical beings and connection and intimacy on those levels is an important piece of most (not all, but most) people's well-being. We aren't an exception. My own experiences have had overlaps with what you talk about but I've found that being able to process the emotional and relational side of things within the right space of time is the most limiting barrier for me. Being able to process how I feel about a particular partner, what I desire and want with them, how I feel about that, what I want to do about it. Then discerning and processing as much of the same from them as possible through direct and indirect communication. Then processing how I feel about that and if there's acceptable congruence. AND THEN figuring out if there's sufficient emotional and relational trust and safety for me to be vulnerable in the necessary ways. Will I be safe to go slow, not know what I want and need in the moment, be actively discovering that, all while trying to be receptive and responsive to what my partner wants and needs AND while navigating the intensity of so much sensory stimulus to be overwhelmed by that alone.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes it can feel like so much to navigate all at once.

[@robbiegibson4112]

The transition to physical touch. It's been a while. Long story. Walks etc doing things together is awesome to. A lamp. Ok never thought of that . Spoon theory. I just heard the definition from you for the first time or I am about to. I needed to learn this. I will create a list of things that need to be done everyday at home and I am looking forward to getting involved in so much more. I took care of my mother here until she passed and then covid hit. So, I never moved back to downtown Nashville. I definitely miss it. Yeah, I think I have about 1 spoon left right now. I wake up before daylight everyday and I am probably not resting as much as I need to. I am still watching and listening. I still have no idea if I have autism as well as the ADHD I have been diagnosed with. I write to much also. More than I plan to almost always.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Resting is SO important! And sounds like you’ve been through so much. 💞

[@DJTripleRRR]

This top is giving me life! It's so exciting I love it! Perfect for the video topic. Ok I'm going to continue watching now.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I know it’s my new fave! 💃🏼 thanks

[@hollyerin897]

this is such a good video. thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're so welcome!

[@stupidsminkle]

It can be hard when your partner has a different level of libido and when your thoughts of how well you think your sex life is going is different from theirs

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes. That definitely complicates things. I think it’s also important to explore other avenues of connection, and also different types of physical connection.

[@tricera_tops_]

All these things you brought up is why I feel so much safer and more comfortable in the bdsm community tbh! I feel like specifically in bdsm there's a huge focus on trust, honesty and talking things through first. As well as things such as soft and hard limits. And I think this is something that should be more normalized in vanilla spaces too!

[@justno789]

Thank you for talking about this. I find this so awkward but it is so important. This topic has affected so many aspects of my life. ❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You are welcome!

[@PraveenSriram]

Definitely bookmarking this video to watch later 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🤗

[@robbiegibson4112]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome.

[@otheremail123]

You are brave for bringing this up on the internet, good for you.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

💪💃🏼

[@AnotherBrainArt]

I love the lamp idea. I am realizing a mix of transition difficulty with past trauma and rejection fear is really hampering.

[@CarsonSchmidt419]

This is such a wonderful resource! I found that lots of learning through content creators helped me to navigate my own boundaries and get comfortable with them well before trying it with anyone else, and it was incredibly helpful.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome! I'm glad it is helpful to you. Thanks for your comment!

[@TheAspieWorld]

This is a fantastic video

[@Missieykay]

I love the spoon theory. I can see how that can help my relationship in so many ways. Everything else was great too. Thank you.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You're very welcome! Thanks for your comment.

[@HerasHearthandHome]

The timing is ✨ immaculate ✨

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🙌🏻

[@clausm2203]

Great video

[@flyygurl18]

Amazing video Taylor; you handled this sensitive subject delicately and respectfully; each point is so important and gave lots of guidance for thought and action processes surrounding intimacy. Gracefully and compassionately done 🙂🍀

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your feedback and I’m glad the video was helpful.

[@flyygurl18]

@@MomontheSpectrum 🙏🏾

[@jacquizbak]

Wow been waiting for this one & was well worth the wait Taylor! It was enlightening/illuminating jammed pak full of xactly what I need 2 know ~ I'm even more strongly attracted to my autist interest if auties like detail instructions & I enjoy talking/working in details, discovering/exploring with laughing as my 2nd favorite drug of choice ~ I know now with out a doubt it's gonna be fun/memorable/well worth it all eh!?!!8:43Pm3/22/2024

[@REBEKAHJOHNSON-lh6xh]

This is really good and healthy. I’m glad to learn things about sex as a neurodivergent.

[@GeorgeAnimate]

Nice vid! :D

[@roberttravers7587]

Great video!😁

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks! 😁

[@chris...9497]

I love that idea of the nonverbal cue! A shame I have no one in my life currently to incorporate that with, but I can still appreciate it. When I did have someone, I was very good at making my feelings (and state of accessibility) known, but still... I love the idea of spoon theory. Again, learned it too late to add it to my toolbox, but still... The term ''bandwidth'' also works. Consider how sexy it is to build intimacy when your partner comes to you and says "Teach me how to add to your supply of spoons". It's not just putting it on YOU to tell him/her/they how to fulfill that need in the moment, but learn the parameters and generalize out from there (because having to come up with ways your partner could add more spoons may actually COST spoons, and could turn into a net loss). It seems to me unforced intimacy is a 'spoon-generator'. Actually, curiosity is also a 'spoon-generator'; at least for me, I find it very exciting and energizing to learn new things, solve a present puzzle, understand a new area or component of life.

[@sandisslantoneverything6676]

Thank you for talking about this. Weird that my husband and I were just discussing it a few weeks ago for the first time in years. It became a taboo subject. He is NT but came from an abusive first marriage as I did, and i am AuDHD. Add that to having two ways of thinking and it just got swept under the rug. I see some of my issues in your video with solutions. I appreciate that. Why is this such a hard topic anyway?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I think because there is a lot of shame around the subject and that makes it harder to talk about it. Part of the reason I want to have these discussions is bc I believe when we bring some of these tough convos into the light we can see we are not alone and there is support out there.

[@sandisslantoneverything6676]

@@MomontheSpectrum I appreciate you covering the hard topics too. And feeling like I am not alone….reading the comments.

[@TransGuyShane]

Whenever I hear someone say "stay curious" I think of Dr doe and sexplanations ❤❤

[@vivianstewart7523]

Thank you so much for this. At 66, I've never figured sex out, just avoided it. Thank you for permission to not just do what is expected of me which always felt gross.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Absolutely! It’s never too late to learn new ways to support yourself and explore new things.

[@benny9089]

Thank you for the video! On a side note, I adore your shirt! Do you have a reference of where you got it, or a picture? I really wanted to paint the patterns, the colors are so pretty together.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

YES! I'm hoping to get a partnership with them soon. I LOVE THEIR CLOTHES: shopdressup.com/collections/shirts-blouses/products/graciously-glam-blue-satin-blouse?_pos=8&_fid=23dc08ce2&_ss=c

[@Rezin_8]

Brown Chicken Brown Cowww ❤💃🕴❤ your covering every base of life 🎉😇 so cool.....thank you for sharing your perspectives and perceptions so freely helping others

[@nynomi]

We are both in our,,50s but. He has to get some loving back in his life

[@Dreykopff]

I'm pretty sure the correct partner would always give you new spoons, and the wrong partner would always take your spoons away.

[@DrJennyPhD]

Love these tips! I’m excited to try the tip on building in a transition. I do have a question. Do you have any tips for dealing with all the physical sensations of sex (the sounds, smells, feelings)? I find I get lost in the moment only to get pulled out by some strange sound or a touch that’s too much. Music or tv in the background helps with the quiet sounds, maybe I just need to turn the volume up? Is wearing headphones too weird? Lol life is weird. I do have tips for smells and that is to use lubes that smell very neutral, which has been hard to find. I recommend coconu for oil based and slippery stuff for water based. They have mild smells if your up close but at a distance aren’t noticeable. Also female condoms that are made of nitrile have almost no smell, compared to latex male condoms which make me wanna vom 🤮 🤢.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

These are great tips! I think if headphones help you then it’s not weird it’s just your own unique style! 😎 maybe we can explore more of this topic in a future vid. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@YourAutisticLife]

It is very important to know what you want and express it to your partner. At the same time, your partner should be able to create an environment where you feel safe expressing your needs and desires. I'm acutely attuned to what my partner wants, If I feel that they are not into what I'm doing, then I'm going to stop and ask what is going on. It would also be a good idea for some people to take a page from the BDSM world and "negotiate a scene" prior to engaging in sex with a new partner, or when introducing new elements. What does it mean? It means that I lay down what I want to do to my partner and what I want them to do to me. It helps avoid surprises. We can discuss what elements they'd like, and what they'd want me to avoid. Some people were keen with opening our encounter with some specific act, some wanted it later. That's all fine. My aim is always to please my partners. Some people might think that it "ruins the mood" somehow if you know what is going to happen. Neither me nor my partners have had an issue of this type. As you grow to know each other, you can eventually dispense with negotiating scenes, unless you are bringing in a new element into the bedroom. I'll also note that negotiation does not prevent spontaneity. I've had nice spontaneous encounters, when my partner and I were ready for it.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is great info! Thanks for sharing.

[@RSully94]

As a gay man on the spectrum, thank you for these videos.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome. 🙏🏼

[@friendlyghost6564]

In my local kink community there seem to be a lot of neurodivergent people. I have always wondered wether there is a link between neurodivergence and kinky lifestyles and fetishism. It would be interesting to hear your thoughts/ research about this.

[@sciencenotsrigma]

I’m so extremely ticklish…it’s an issue. And sometimes I can’t stop focusing on my “narrow interest areas,” (as in the causes I’m passionate about and things I research obsessively), or something else totally unrelated.

[@DaveShap]

Would love to do a sex positivity podcast with you!

[@nynomi]

Where did you get the purple lamp

[@neon-kitty]

Personally, I tend to just overthink things during sex and be really unsure of what to do, how to act, where to put my hands,... what the other person expects of me, basically. Which is probably part of the reason why I like dominant guys who take charge and tell me what to do in the bedroom xD. Takes some of the guesswork out of it and frees up my mind so I can actually focus on the experience and enjoy it.

[@marie-evebeauchamp2399]

I'm 36 and I was never able to be intimate with anyone and idk if I would be able to 😑 and the older I get the scarier it has become 😶‍🌫😵‍💫

[@t-man5196]

What makes sexual intimacy difficult for me as an autistic person is I have autogynephilia, gynandromorphophilia, fecalphilia and macrophilia and have had them for as long as I can remember (age 5 or earlier) and it's like how do I navigate this? I already have trouble with understanding social norms and this just makes it so much worse. Im a 30 year old virgin and this is largely why

[@GETRICHQUICKmakemoneyonl-lt1zj]

Seems like a lot of The research is saying neuro Divergent people are also sexually Divergent? or is it that sexually Divergent people are neurodivergent?

[@sebben13]

What was it the said, somatic therapy and? Sense aid?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Sensate focus

[@sebben13]

@@MomontheSpectrum Thank you ! 🥰

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

04:38 Or perhaps "sexpectations"...

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

Thank you for the heart.

[@user-kx9lj2vv2h]

I’m interested in groups you may have that are for the partner. I’d like help

[@pam-hf5br]

I'm going to adopt Spoon Theory, only I'll use cookies. I like cookies more than I do spoons. 😃

[@MomontheSpectrum]

i definitely support the use of cookies :) 🍪

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

"I like cookies more than I do spoons." Even for soup?

[@pam-hf5br]

@@knrdvmmlbkkn 😄

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

13:00 And we'll see *who* is "coming" next...

[@vicentecalduch1205]

Sois muy raros

[@nicolasbusse]

"Number 7 is my favorite, keep watching!" Just makes me want to skip to number 7 and move on.

[@rs69729]

Hey, I have a question/situation for anyone to answer/give their opinion on if possible: I am being pressured to get a mandatory pap smear for my work. I don't know if it's the autism, or the asexuality, or just me, but just the idea of it gives me intense anxiety and a vehement NO feeling. They keep asking me why I won't do it, but I've never been sexually assaulted or anything like that, and I don't know why, and I can't think of anything reasonable to tell them, so I just keep saying it doesn't matter why because there is nothing anyone can say that will make me let anyone touch me. I don't know if they can kick me out for refusing, or punish me (I'm in the military and it's a requirement to be deployment ready), but I'm not going to budge and the doctor said their next step was to go to my command about it. I'm not looking for anyone to try to convince me that I'm silly and it's important for my health and to just do it. I would like to know if anyone else had something like this happen. Or possibly know why I feel like this- if it's the autism or asexuality or just me. Or, I don't really know what I'm looking for, I just know that nothing will change my mind about allowing it. Anyone have any advice?

[@Catlily5]

Seems like if you never had sex there is no reason to. But you are in the military so you are in a difficult situation.

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

"I don't know (...) or punish me" Then why not ask them? And what does your employment contract say about it?

[@knrdvmmlbkkn]

@@Catlily5"Seems like if (...) no reason to." The commenter didn't claim not to have had sex.

[@Catlily5]

@@knrdvmmlbkkn No they didn't. Which is why I said, "if". If they have had sex then cervical cancer is a concern. I hate those exams with a passion. I was sexually assaulted as a child. But I get them occasionally because I don't want advanced cancer which would mean operating down there. That would be worse.

[@rs69729]

That they basically own me for the next four years, but we still have certain rights- I just don't know the extent of them. I have to follow lawful orders, but I don't know if it's lawful to make me for something like this. I asked legal but they said that this is my command's issue, and I don't want to outright ask them or bring it up until medical brings it up to them. I don't know how I'm going to react in real time because I really struggle with conversations like this and just kind of... glitch or stop working as a human. They don't know that I'm autistic, and even if they did, I'm not even sure if this is an autism issue or just a me one. Just the thought of the conversation has me panicking and I can't even get through planning what I might say because mental me starts having a meltdown so I start planning how to escape and hide instead.@@knrdvmmlbkkn

[@chrismaxwell1624]

Sexual intimacy gives spoon and lot spoons. I don't get why. Even a long hug can give me spoon back. Not having that I run out of spoons faster. Notice this when my is away visiting her month and I'm home alone. She's always wondering why I'm going to bed early. It's that I don't have that spoon I get from hug after work. That and all routines are gone and changed. I enjoy the time alone though too. It's just tires me out a lot more at the same time.

[@pedrova8058]

being a people pleaser is a big mess here I guess. Also the traditional hetero stereotypes: she "must please her partner"; he "must be ready always and at all times". For me the issues has always been on the emotional side (demisexual), the "macho latino" model is a role that I have never felt comfortable with, but it's what the majority of the NT population demands, it's the cultural expectancy . So, as a male you can't feel safe being vulnerable, there isn't much room for that. Then you end up, most of the time, trying to mask a lot of things related to the relationship, and it becomes stressful, until either you or the relationship, or both, breaks down

[@j.b.4340]

You guys are having sex? 😟 Sex is one of my special interests, but it often caused me incredible anxiety, even though I needed it. Rejection of my needs was the rule, and it really hurt me, until one day… it didn’t. I haven’t mated in 13 years, but just celebrated my 22nd anniversary. I’m not old. I was married at twenty. I’m not the only one living this way, right?

[@MomontheSpectrum]

No you’re not the only one. There are many different experiences

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This video I did might be helpful in terms of understanding different sexual experiences/preferences: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYTcq4NnrpZpn6Msi=a9bFpSOgTloCh9zs

[@thiccletics]

If people are emailing you in the tone of anger about these topics- GET A LIFE…. Also what you watch on KZbin, your phone will show you more of, so ENJOY! 😂

[@ericgroce1125]

What if It's kind of the opposite... What if you're more hypersexual?

[@Catlily5]

I am bipolar and autistic so I can relate at times.

[@shanematthews1985]

Thankfully this advice will never be needed, i'm never getting near another human being in that way >.< And to be fair, i wouldn't want to, seems kind of cruel to risk forcing my condition upon them knowingly

[@KamillaMirabelle]

I dont think these videos are wrong or not tasteful.. 🥰 But it is VERY hard to explore, when your single and got 3 kids 🫣😒