2026-07-29 カロリンスカ研究所（KI）
＜関連情報＞
- https://news.ki.se/digital-visits-may-reduce-inequalities-in-sexual-healthcare
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aur.70306
自閉症およびADHDの若者における性と生殖に関する医療：スウェーデンにおける人口ベースの研究 Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare Among Youth With Autism and ADHD: A Population-Based Study From Sweden
Lovisa Hellsten, Jessica Rast, Anna Nielsen, Anna Mia Ekström, Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson, Kyriaki Kosidou, Viktor H. Ahlqvist
Autism Research Published: 28 July 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.70306
ABSTRACT
Youth with autism spectrum disorder or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may face barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Yet, data on preventive SRH service use remain limited, especially digital care. This population-based registry study investigated whether patterns of SRH service use differed by digital versus in-person care among 12–22-year-olds in Stockholm County (2018–2022). Among 454,405 youth (48.6% female; mean age 16 years), 11,850 were autistic, 31,144 had ADHD, and 9126 had both conditions; the majority of SRH contacts were in-person visits. ADHD youth had higher adjusted Odds Ratios [aOR] of in-person (females: 2.02 [95% CI, 1.93–2.11]; males, 1.46 [1.39–1.54]) and digital visits (females, 1.21 [1.14–1.29]; males, 1.26 [1.05–1.52]) than control peers. Autistic youth had lower aOR of in-person (females, 0.67 [0.63–0.72]; males, 0.45 [0.40–0.51]) and digital visits (females, 0.79 [0.71–0.89]; males, 0.79 [0.54–1.15]). Intensity of use (incidence rate ratios) was higher among ADHD youth but similar among autistic females compared with control peers. Autistic females were more likely to consult physicians but less likely to see midwives or use short-acting contraception. ADHD was associated with higher odds of all provider types, contraceptive methods, and abortion. In conclusion, ADHD youth engaged more and autistic youth less—particularly males—with SRH services than controls. Smaller relative digital than in-person differences suggest digital options might reduce access disparities. Similar intensity of use between autistic and control females suggests barriers may be entry to care, whereas high SRH use among ADHD youth challenges assumptions that low engagement drives risk outcomes.
Summary
Sexual and reproductive health services help support young people’s health and wellbeing, but neurodiverse youth may face barriers to accessing care compared to their neurotypical peers. This study examined the use of sexual and reproductive health services among autistic and ADHD youth, including digital services. We found that young people with ADHD used services more than their peers, whereas autistic youth—particularly males—used them less often. Smaller differences in digital service use suggest that online pathways might help reduce inequalities in access to care.
