Neurodivergence & Sex: Empowered Fulfillment Therapy Podcast (Episode 2)

Today I’m talking about neurodivergence and sex. This is an intersection that isn’t talked about enough! Neurodivergence impacts so many parts of life and sex is no exception.

This is an area of passion for me as an AuDHD human & sex therapist. I find that neurodivergent experiences are so often left out of conversations, including all I’ve learned about sex as a sex therapist. My hope in beginning to talk about this topic is to help you feel seen and to know that you deserve support in building a fulfilling sexual life (if you want to!) as a neurodivergent person. You are no less capable or deserving of pleasure and sexual fulfillment.

Being neurodivergent can come with some challenges and this can impact your sexual life too. Some of the ways neurodivergence can impact sexuality include…

• Sensory sensitivities creating a barrier to being present during sex

• Sensory needs shifting sexual wants & desires

• Difficulty being present and in the moment during sex

• Feeling distracted by self-analyzing or analyzing one’s partner during sex

• Struggling with how to communicate before, during, or after sex

• Social anxiety being a barrier to advocating for one’s needs, wants, & boundaries around sex

Do you relate to any of these as a neurodivergent person? The good news is that it’s totally possible to have fulfilling and positive sexual experiences when you’re neurodivergent.

I want to highlight that neurodivergent people tend to have strengths in creatively navigating the world. This can lead to approaching sex in a creative, expansive way that can be really fulfilling! So it’s important to get to focus on how your strengths can support your sexual goals, too.

Interested in exploring how your neurodivergence impacts sex? You may benefit from working with one of our sex therapists! We offer sex therapy in Portland, OR (and WA & UT). Our therapists specialize in sexual concerns, relationships, perinatal mental health, neurodivergence (Autism & ADHD), trauma, ethical non-monogamy, and more!