‘I thought I was a freak’: Self-reported kink as sensory sexual accessibility in ADHD and autistic populations on Reddit and TikTok

Abstract

ADHD and autistic (AuDHD) people often experience atypical responses to sensory input. In this study, we examine the experiences of AuDHD individuals reporting to use BDSM/kink as a means of managing sensory processing needs during sex. Using inductive thematic methods, we analyzed existing data from posts on Reddit and TikTok to explore the experiences of AuDHD sexuality and how BDSM/kink is utilized to create pleasurable, accessible sexual experiences. We found that a number of AuDHD people report experiencing sensory overload during sex; to accommodate this, many AuDHD people report utilizing sensory deprivation aspects of BDSM/kink (such as blindfolds and earplugs). AuDHD people also report sensory under-stimulation during sex and, in response, report using BDSM/kink for its sensory novelty (such as inflicting pain or other sensations). Social media platforms also allowed AuDHD people to learn about their AuDHD and feel less alone in their experiences. These findings emphasize how the accessibility strategies AuDHD people use to accommodate their needs prioritize pleasure over ‘normal’ sex, ultimately challenging these constructions of ‘normal’ sex. Facing inadequate sexual education and stigmatization of AuDHD and BDSM, social media allows open discussion of such experiences not available elsewhere. Understanding these experiences helps us challenge ideas of ‘normal’ sexuality, recognize the ingenuity of AuDHD accessibility, and improve lay understandings of AuDHD experience.