Abstract
We examined the association between autistic traits and sexual orientation in a general adult population (N = 47,356). Autistic traits were measured with the ten items Autistic Quotient questionnaire using a cut-off score of ≥ 6. Sexual orientation was assessed by self-report. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for sexual orientation categories. Participants with autistic traits were more likely to identify as bisexual (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.01–2.9) and to feel that their sexual orientation could neither be described as hetero-, homo- nor bisexual (OR 3.05; 95% CI 2.56–3.63), compared to individuals without autistic traits. Autistic traits are associated with minority sexual orientation, and perhaps with uncertain self-identification and/or a defiance of traditional ways of categorizing sexual identity.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Pages (from-to) | 619-624 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| ISSN | 0162-3257 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 01.02.2018 |
Funding
Funding This work was supported by the Stockholm County Council and the Swedish Research Council (Grant # 2012–2264) (CD, KK) and the German Academic Exchange Service (Scholarship-ID # 57098520) (CR). The data linkages and staff costs have also been supported by grants from the Stockholm County Council (Grant # 2007008); Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research (Grant # 2007–2064) (AL); Swedish Research Council (Grant # 523-2010-1052) (CD); and Swedish Regional agreement on medical training and clinical research (KK, JÅ).
Research Areas and Centers
- Research Area: Center for Population Medicine and Public Health (ZBV)
