Parental Experiences Addressing Sexual Health Among Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Objective To explore parents' experiences addressing sexual health among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in northeastern Malaysia. Background Parents are central to sexual health guidance but may face developmental, communication, sociocultural, and service‐related challenges. Method This qualitative exploratory study involved 16 parents recruited from a community autism support centre in Kelantan, Malaysia. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted in Malay, audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified: navigating uncertainty about sexuality and puberty; communicating sexuality within developmental boundaries; negotiating sexuality within sociocultural and religious boundaries; heightened safeguarding concerns and monitoring practices; and adaptive parenting amid limited support and guidance. Parents described tensions between protecting adolescents perceived as vulnerable and preparing them for increasing independence. Sexuality was often framed through modesty, behavioural appropriateness, family responsibility, and safeguarding within the local sociocultural and religious context. Conclusion Parents of adolescents with ASD navigated sexual health guidance within intersecting developmental, communicative, sociocultural, religious, and safeguarding challenges. Implications Culturally sensitive, autism‐informed, and developmentally appropriate support may strengthen parents' confidence and improve coordinated family–school–healthcare guidance.