Autisexual

Autisexual is a sexuality, which can only be understood in the context of being autistic, when one's autism greatly affects one's sexuality, or how one experiences sexual attraction. Autisexual is not autism as a sexuality, nor is it attraction to autistic people, but rather describes an experience of sexuality that is so heavily influenced by being autistic that one's autism and one's experience of sexuality cannot be unlinked.

Autistic people's sexuality can be influenced by being autistic in many ways. The social normativity and construction of sexuality as a concept, and how it is often described, are frequently things that neurodivergent people cannot relate to, particularly autistic people, because of their neurodivergence. Emphasis on sexuality and labeling of sexuality in a neurotypical or allistic way may not be things that autistic people understand or wish to participate in. The intersection of sexuality with neurodivergence, mental and physical illness, chronic illness, or disabilities is often disregarded. Individuals with any of those experiences, in this case autistic people, may be misunderstood or face ableism because of allistic and neurotypical ideas of how other facets of one's identity affect and intersect with sexuality.

There are many people who may feel like being autistic influences their experience, perception, or understanding of sexuality. There are many studies that show that autistic people are more likely to be not straight. Autistic people may also face unique challenges in coming out. Autisexuality is a way to express this and to find others with similar experiences of sexuality.

Similar labels that may also fall under the umbrella of autisexual are autiaro, autiace, and autiqueer. Autism can also affect one's relationship with gender, which gave rise to more people using the term autigender.

Not all autistic people identify as autisexual, only those whose sexuality is influenced by them being autistic. Autigender is exclusive to autistic people, as obviously, allistic people cannot have a gender influenced by autism.

History
Autisexual was coined by Gracey#9766, Lapis/Leah (llama godess)#0905, and LittleRaptorLadies#7650 on Discord on June 26, 2021.

Flag
The autisexual flag was uploaded by user IMakeFlags on July 26, 2021. The purple stripes represent asexuality, yellow stripes represent sexuality, and the rainbow infinity symbol symbolizes the intersection of autism and queerness.

Resources
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