Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant stigma and discrimination, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and sexual expression. This review examined the recent literature (2020–January 2024) on intimacy and sexuality among adolescents and young adults with ASD, incorporating 32 studies. Findings highlight poorer sexual health among autistic individuals compared to the general population, with difficulties in forming romantic relationships and navigating sexual interactions due to hypersensitivity. Autism is also linked to non-conforming gender identities and asexuality, exposing individuals to dual stigma within the LGBTQ+ community. Autism-related traits hinder sexual health knowledge, increasing risks of victimisation, abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. Comprehensive sexual education and inclusive support are crucial to address these challenges and promote sexual well-being for autistic individuals.

Background: Individuals with disabilities encounter various obstacles to employment, including both environmental barriers and challenges related to work skills. Objective: The aim of this work is to review the literature on effective interventions that support individuals with disabling mental issues in securing and retaining employment. Method: To guarantee the inclusion of the most recent evidence, we specifically focused on articles published in English between 2014 and 2024. A total of 26 relevant studies were included in this review. Results: We first explore the impact of interventions aimed at disability in the broader sense, such as Integrated Practical Placement, Direct Skills Teaching, and Traditional Vocational Rehabilitation. We then focus on interventions for people with a disabling mental illness: well-known approaches such as Supported Employment and Individual Placement and Support work well, but innovative interventions are emerging, such as psychotherapy, peer support program and Vocational Empowerment Photovoice. Involving family members and the work environment is key, while approaches focused solely on information did not have any impact. Conclusion: Employment offers vital economic resources, but most importantly it also fulfils psychosocial needs by reducing the risk of social isolation and poverty. Therefore, examining effective employment interventions for individuals with disabling, serious conditions of mental illness is undeniably a critical matter.

1. Inclusion in sport has become a prominent goal in both policy and academic discourse, reflecting global commitments such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (United Nation, 2015) and the Con...

Employment is a key social determinant of health, yet autistic individuals face high levels of unemployment, with consequences for well-being and social inclusion. This exploratory study examined stakeholder perceptions regarding the inclusion of autistic individuals in public administration employment within the Italian context, considering its potential role in advancing health equity through stable and regulated work environments. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted to explore perceptions of current inclusion measures, the importance of specific inclusion domains, and the usefulness of potential support tools. Participants (n = 62) included autistic adults, family members, and professionals with expertise in autism. Quantitative data were analyzed using non-parametric tests, while qualitative responses were examined through reflexive thematic analysis. Quantitative findings showed that educators express more positive views on existing measures and greater support for new interventions compared to family members; autistic participants report intermediate perspectives. Qualitative analysis identified five areas: recognition of autistic perspectives, need for interventions, support figures, work personalization, and staff training. Although the study does not evaluate intervention effectiveness, the findings highlight stakeholder priorities and perceived needs related to employment inclusion. While exploratory and based on a limited sample, the results may inform future research and the development of more inclusive public employment practices.

Sexual health is a vital aspect of overall well-being, yet individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant stigma and discrimination, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and sexual expression. This review examined recent literature (2020–January 2024) on intimacy and sexuality among adolescents and young adults with ASD, incorporating 32 studies. Findings highlight poorer sexual health among autistic individuals compared to the general population, with difficulties in forming romantic relationships and navigating sexual interactions due to hypersensitivity. Autism is also linked to non-conforming gender identities and asexuality, exposing individuals to dual stigma within the LGBTQ+ community. Autism-related traits hinder sexual health knowledge, increasing risks of victimization, abuse, and sexually transmitted infections. Comprehensive sexual education and inclusive support are crucial to address these challenges and promote sexual well-being for autistic individuals.