Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to expand the research in sexuality by assessing the relationship
between BDSM behaviors and characteristics (symptoms) of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
This relationship has not been explored, despite the increasing prevalence of both ASD
individuals and those who practice BDSM (bondage & discipline, dominance & submission, and
sadism & masochism) (Christensen, Baio, Braun, et al., 20 16; Richters, Visser, Rissel, Grulich,
& Smith, 2008). The similarities in repetitive or ritualistic behaviors as well as sensory
stimulation needs and techniques in both symptoms of ASD and behaviors in BDSM suggest that
there may be similarities in the two populations, which is important to examine (Leekam, Prior,
& Uljarevic, 2011; Sagarin, Lee, & Klement, 2015). We hypothesized that motor movements
would positively correlate with the BDSM Sensory behaviors, attention to details would
positively correlate with BDSM Control behaviors, and social skills would negatively correlate
with reported of number of sexual partners but positively correlate with masturbation
frequency/use of objects during masturbation. All the hypotheses were supported except for the
social skills and frequency of masturbation with an object. Instead, there was a positively
correlation between social skills and frequency of masturbation with hands, which we believe
may have something to do with the sensory input an object might bring.
