ERIC Number: EJ1437558
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Sep
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3432
Predictors of Sexual Victimization among Autistic and Non-Autistic College Students
Natalie Libster; Connie Kasari; Alexandra Sturm
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v54 n9 p3467-3477 2024
Purpose: This study examined predictors of sexual victimization among autistic and non-autistic college students. Specifically, we aimed to determine whether autistic students are more likely than non-autistic students to experience unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault, controlling for co-occurring diagnoses. We also aimed to determine whether students with other disabilities, specifically ADHD, learning disability (LD), and psychological disorders, are more likely than students without these disabilities to experience unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Methods: Autistic students (n = 270) and non-autistic students (n = 270) who had participated in a nationwide survey were matched on demographic characteristics and co-occurring diagnoses. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to address the research questions and evaluate predictors of unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Results: Autistic students were as likely as non-autistic students to have experienced unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault, controlling for co-occurring diagnoses. Regardless of autism diagnostic status, students with ADHD were more likely than students without ADHD to have experienced unwanted sexual contact and sexual assault. Conclusions: Although autism diagnostic status was not a significant predictor of unwanted sexual contact or sexual assault, other factors associated with increased risk of sexual victimization, such as co-occurring ADHD, are likely to be found in autistic populations. This study highlights the importance of educational, social, and institutional supports to decrease sexual victimization among college students with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Descriptors: Sexual Abuse, Victims of Crime, Rape, Autism Spectrum Disorders, College Students, Students with Disabilities, Individual Differences, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Mental Disorders
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2123/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) (DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: UT3MC39436