Sex on the Spectrum

A novelist, Gottlieb has been the guardian of his brother, Josh, since their parents’ death. Institutionalized since age 11 with severe autism, Josh’s one persistent request has been for a sexual experience. In this riveting, tender and deeply researched work, Gottlieb explores what it would take and mean to finally allow his brother to enjoy/explore/discover his sexuality.

Handling the completely ignored subject of sexuality among neuro-diverse people, and told through the story of two brothers – we see how their experience fits in with a global movement involving issues of humane care from family and professionals. The book will explore sexuality in people on the autism spectrum that combines both history and in-depth reporting from the forefront of medicine, education, research, politics, advocacy, activism, and global perspectives. Like many boomer-age siblings, Eli Gottlieb faces the responsibility of sibling care. What emerges is a fraternal bond that persists despite so many impediments to communication, and Eli’s efforts to allow his brother to experience the full range of his humanity. It is a story of breathtaking tenderness.

It is the first book to address this subject matter, and it delves into the attitudes towards neuro-diverse people around the world, from the EU, to the Netherlands, Sweden, and Japan. Whilst some approaches are compassionate and forward-thinking, others are shockingly cruel.

This is a riveting, elegant handling of the heretofore ignored subject of sexuality among neuro-diverse people, told through the story of two brothers. A combination of the latest science and therapeutic modalities (around the world) and a memoiristic story of the brother who becomes his autistic brother’s guardian after their parents die.