Our teenage son, who has Asperger's syndrome, wants to cross-dress

[Shana A]

Our teenage son, who has Asperger's syndrome, wants to cross-dress

He's entitled to his chosen sexual style – but stress the risks of displaying it in public, advises Pamela Stephenson Connolly

        Pamela Stephenson Connolly
        guardian.co.uk, Thursday 9 June 2011 21.00 BST
     
http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2011/jun/09/aspergers-son-into-cross-dressing

We have a son in his late teens who has Asperger's syndrome. He has expressed a desire to cross-dress, as well as an interest in cartoon porn. Should we be concerned?

People with Asperger's have sexual feelings just like everyone else, and your son is developing his own sexual style. I can understand your worry about how he will express his sexuality, especially since people with Asperger's often become strongly focused on a narrow range of interests – which sometimes includes sexual themes. But the most important issue is to help create parameters in which he can safely and appropriately enjoy his personal eroticism.

[spacial]

What I find more concerning about this is the apparent way this parent has labeled their son with Asbergers. As if that is more relevant than this being her son who is seeking a relatively unconventional yet increasingly accepted way of expressing himself.

I also am somewhat alarmed at the way this is being seen as an indication of sexual expression whereas it is more likely to be one of gender expression or even just self expression.

If this or any other young men are seeking to cross dress as a means of finding sexual partners then I would be worried. But that seems unlikely.