Percent of asexuals with Aspergers?

[AlwaysBeKorra]

Hi :-) Just curious: I was wondering if any statistics exist on asexuals with Asperger's or autism?

[Philip027]

Notta clue, but I'm one. Well, I was diagnosed with "autism spectrum disorder level-1" which basically means "high-functioning autism" which is basically what Asperger's is. They apparently don't do diagnoses specifically for Asperger's anymore, as a result of some bullcrap in the DSM-5.

[IceHurricane]

I've wondered this for a while, but I never did find out what the numbers were.

[Star Bit]

Found a poll from 2007, from its 1,132 participents, only 109 (almost 10%) of those ppl said they were officially diagnosed with aspergers. This is only on one poll and the only one i could find with a significant participent count, so this number is not so conclusive, especially with its participents being low for a sensus. I'm not sure that asexuality has a link to aspergers, but ppl with aspergers have a harder time relating to ppl and thus have a harder time feeling sexual attraction (is what i hear).

[Skycaptain]

To quote Gross Psychology pp630. " Autism was first diagnosed by Kanner in the USA (1943) and Asperger in Austria (1944), quite independently of each other". I agree, having looked through mine, that in DSM-5 Asperger's isn't even listed, but is considered as part of the autistic spectrum. I may be wrong here, but could it be because DSM series publications are USA based, Autism was identified by an American, whereas Asperger was Austrian and conducted his research during WW2?

Also there is an increasing understanding that other conditions, for example XXY, where the behavioural traits correspond with ASD, but are down to the differential condition. Myself I fulfil the criteria fore DSM-5 level 1 ASD, but I believe the behaviour to be caused by something else, although at this moment I am merely awaiting tests so I cannot be certain.

On a general point I can see where there is a possibility that a higher proportion of people with ASD might experience a lack of sexual attraction or desire, simply because they may not be aware that the concept exists. Again the situation arises where a medical professional could take the easy option and say Autistic, so not cot capable of being interested in sexuality, rather than looking for the main cause, namely innate asexuality.

To my view the perception is, top of the tree actively sexual, next-physical reasons for lack of sexual desire, e.g erectile failure,. Next comes psychological reasons, e.g previous bad experiences, social conditioning to preserve virginity, body dysphoria, doubts about sexual orientation. Then come reasons such as hypogonadism, ASD and similar. Genuine asexuality as an orientation is seen as the very last reason. If any previous reason appears that is considered by too many as the cause of a lack of sexual desire so asexuality as an orientation is liable to be ignored.

Looking through AVEN, ASD/Asperger's is fairly common, but I would not say to a significant level. More interestingly has anyone researched the prevalence of depressive/mood disorders and social anxiety amongst asexuals?

[Xeres]

I have wondered if I had some autistic traits for a long time, then I thought I might just be asocial, but never went to a doctor for these things because it really wouldn't change anything for me. I know several Asperger people quite well and they have a lot in common with me, but also many things that are different. An all of those I know actually are looking for a relationship. they have great problems of course, but not because they don't want sex, but because they have problems with social behaviour. So I don't think that there is a link between autism and asexuality.

[Star Bit]

I have wondered if I had some autistic traits for a long time, then I thought I might just be asocial, but never went to a doctor for these things because it really wouldn't change anything for me. I know several Asperger people quite well and they have a lot in common with me, but also many things that are different. An all of those I know actually are looking for a relationship. they have great problems of course, but not because they don't want sex, but because they have problems with social behaviour. So I don't think that there is a link between autism and asexuality.

As you said, there is more to having Aspergers than just being socially awkward or asocial; there are also things that show an obvious mental disorder. (So if you just have that then you most likely do not have it.) Some have OCD(s), some literally cant comprehend certain food textures, etc. Male and female Aspergers is also different because the females adapt a fake social facade more easily.

[NaomiMisora]

Found a poll from 2007, from its 1,132 participents, only 109 (almost 10%) of those ppl said they were officially diagnosed with aspergers. This is only on one poll and the only one i could find with a significant participent count, so this number is not so conclusive, especially with its participents being low for a sensus. I'm not sure that asexuality has a link to aspergers, but ppl with aspergers have a harder time relating to ppl and thus have a harder time feeling sexual attraction (is what i hear).

Well 10% is quite a lot, it ofcourse doesn't mean that all asexuals have Asperger or all Aspergers are asexual something like that, but to me it does say there would be a connection. Maybe there is a higher chance that if you have Asperger you have are asexual. I mean maybe,just to say something, 15% of people with Asperger are on the asexuality spectrum instead of the usual 1%, so that's something.

I personally was diagnosed with Asperger when I was about 8 years old, but when I take tests now, it looks like I don't have it anymore, I never had it very much or very extreme or something anyway

[RazorEddie]

I looked into this a couple of years ago an there does appear to be some evidence of a correlation between autism and asexuality. I posted my finding in this thread.

[Frozen Fairy]

Ace Aspie here. :)