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.

This exploratory qualitative study investigates the challenges faced by young adults (aged 18–40) with severe mental illness (SMI), intellectual disabilities (IDs), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in navigating body perception, affectivity, intimacy, gender identity, and sexuality. Through semi-structured interviews with 13 participants recruited from a community habilitation center, thematic analysis revealed systemic barriers rooted in societal stigma, familial overprotection, and institutional neglect. Key findings highlight tensions between bodily autonomy and familial control, with prolonged caregiver dependency in intimate hygiene reflecting patterns of infantilization. We found that participants’ self-image was shaped by gendered expectations and familial critiques, reinforcing internalized stigma. Romantic relationships were often idealized through cultural narratives, yet lacked practical guidance on consent or boundaries, exacerbating vulnerabilities. Fragmented sexual education left individuals reliant on pornography or peers, perpetuating misconceptions and anxiety. Despite these barriers, participants demonstrated resilience and agency in advocating for inclusive interventions. This study underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed, rights-based approaches that prioritize autonomy, dignity, and intersectionality. Recommendations include structured skill-building programs for independence, disability-adapted comprehensive sexuality education, and systemic reforms fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. By centering lived experiences, this work challenges structural inequities and advocates for community care models that honor the diverse needs of individuals navigating the intersection of disability, identity, and sexuality.

Background: Individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), including schizophrenia and psychotic disorders, often face significant challenges in developing and maintaining romantic and intimate relationships. Despite a strong desire for companionship and sexual expression, these individuals frequently encounter barriers such as social stigma, cognitive issues, and psychiatric symptoms affecting social functioning. Existing research primarily focuses on general social engagement rather than the specific complexities of romantic and sexual relationships. This narrative review synthesizes recent literature (2017–2023) to explore the intersection of SMI with sexuality, intimacy, and romantic relationships among adolescents and young adults. Methods: A narrative review approach was used to examine studies published in English between January 2017 and December 2023. Literature searches were conducted using Web of Science and Scopus, with Boolean operators applied to keywords related to severe mental illness, adolescence and young adulthood, sexuality, and romantic relationships. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing intimacy, romantic relationships, and sexuality among individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia or psychosis. Studies that primarily discussed medical, forensic, or legal aspects without addressing relational or psychological dimensions were excluded. The selected literature was analyzed thematically. Results: Five key themes emerged: (1) Sexual risk-taking behaviors, highlighting increased vulnerability to unprotected sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and exploitation; (2) Sexual dysfunctions, often related to psychiatric symptoms and medication side effects; (3) Personal and relational resources, including the role of self-esteem, social cognition, and relationship quality in supporting romantic engagement; (4) Social stigma, which impacts self-perception, desirability, and access to relationships; and (5) Sexual orientation and gender identity, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ + individuals with SMI, who experience compounded stigma and relational difficulties. Conclusions: This review highlights the unmet needs for intimacy, love, and sexual expression among individuals diagnosed with SMI and the significant barriers they face. Findings suggest that psychosocial interventions, comprehensive sexual education, and stigma reduction strategies are essential for improving relationship opportunities and overall well-being. Future research should focus on lived experiences and explore tailored interventions to support romantic and sexual relationships in this population.

Young adults diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI), intellectual disability (ID), and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience significant barriers in accessing sexual health education, contributing to poor sexual and relational well-being. The Educational Intervention and Training Program on Sexuality and Affectivity (eITPoSA) was developed to address this gap through a structured psycho-educational approach tailored to their cognitive and emotional needs. A pilot study was conducted with 12 participants diagnosed with SMI, ID, and ASD, who attended the training sessions covering topics such as body knowledge, genital sexuality, privacy, and hygiene. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were carried out using structured monitoring grids, with data analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired-samples t-tests, and Cohen’s d to evaluate effect sizes. Results demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all domains, particularly in body knowledge (31.43% to 86.65%), genital sexuality (15% to 90%), and hygiene (47.27% to 96.36%). These findings suggest that the eITPoSA program effectively enhances sexual and relational competencies in young adults diagnosed with SMI, ID, and ASD. Future research should focus on expanding the sample size and exploring long-term retention of educational outcomes to further validate the program’s efficacy.

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.