Understanding the Connection: Autism, Porn Addiction & Sex Addiction

Stephanie's Interview with Candice Christiansen

Last year when I did a podcast series on the connection between porn or sex addiction and autism, it was met with criticism mostly from the neurodivergent community. However, we will be having another podcast month with a focus on this connection. Before I lay out some points from my interview with Candice Christiansen, let me share what is coming up in August on the podcast.

August 4: Dr. Janice Caudill: Defining Porn or Sex Addiction and the “recipe” for it

August 11: Coaches’ Corner, Neurodivergent Guest and Expert on this very topic, Candice Christiansen

August 13: JTG: Dan interviews and discusses this topic with Michael Cusick, author of Surfing for God on the Internet. The author shares his autism diagnosis journey and recovery from his addiction.

August 18: Andrew Baumann: What is Healthy Christian Masculinity & Sexuality

August 24: Can a Neurodiverse Couple have a healthy sexual/intimate relationship?

About Candice and her expertise: Candice identifies as Autistic or  “Neuro-Different”

Candice Christiansen, Founder, Clinical Director, LCMHC, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, CSAT-S, CMAT-S, Certified EMDR, Psychedelic Integration Therapist, Author, Speaker, Presenter 

Expertise: Autism and ADHD, Neuro-Inclusive IFS, Complex Trauma, DID, Sexual, Betrayal, and High Conflict Relationship Issues, Intensive Therapy for complicated issues/relationship dynamics, Psychedelic Assisted Therapy, Generational Healing.

NOTE TO FAITH-BASED READERS: Candice is not faith-based, and part of her practice would not necessarily be in line with the Christian faith, BUT she is an expert in the area of neurodivergence and addiction.

Sexual and porn addiction intersect deeply with neurodiversity, especially autism and ADHD. Drawing on the work of Candice Christiansen, a licensed clinician who is autistic and ADHD herself, here's a breakdown of the key connections:

1. Neurological Dopamine-Seeking & Isolation

• Autistic and ADHD brains often have lower baseline dopamine, leading individuals to seek stronger stimuli. Pornography, with its rapid, novel, and easy-to-access content, becomes an ideal dopamine booster—especially when combined with typical sensory overwhelm or loneliness.

• Many neurodivergent adults experience chronic loneliness and social isolation. Porn offers not just sensory relief, but also emotional connection in a safe, controllable environment.

2. Sensory-Seeking as a Coping Strategy

• Stimming (repetitive sensory stimulation) is foundational in autism: it’s how individuals regulate emotions and focus during sensory overload (candicechristiansen.com).

• Masturbation and porn-watching often serve as tactile and visual stims, soothing anxiety and providing comfort much like traditional stimming does.

3. Emotional Dysregulation & Rejection Sensitivity

• ADHD and autism bring heightened emotional reactivity and challenges in regulating emotions. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in ADHD can lead to intense feelings of shame, loneliness, and even existential despair

• Porn becomes a refuge—a way to self-soothe emotional pain without navigating complex interpersonal dynamics.

4. Sensory Profile & Intimacy

• Candle smells, mattress textures, body heat, and lighting—these all interact differently with autistic sensory preferences

• Misalignment between sensory needs and typical romantic or sexual scenarios can result in avoidance of sex or turning to porn, where one has full control over sensory input .

Final Thoughts

The overlap of neurodiversity and sexual addiction often goes unrecognized. Autism and ADHD bring unique sensory, emotional, and neurological dynamics that can make porn particularly appealing.

I would add that in the Christian community, there can be another layer of shame or condemnation that can make deliverance or recovery difficult. However, for a neurodiverse Christian relationship to have a healthy sexual relationship, both people need to be sexually healthy as individuals with a healthy perspective of sexuality and removal of porn and other issues that lead to betrayal or emotional disconnection.