11-28-2017, 03:12 AM
I have some thoughts about this because I have noticed a good percentage of zoos who are on the spectrum, myself included. At least from what I've seen, it seems to be a higher percent than the general population. I think there are a few possibilities.
First is that there is something about autistic people that predisposes them to zoophilia. Many people with autism have social anxiety and many connect more to/are more interested in animals than people. It doesn't seem like a big stretch for that to carry into sexual feelings once they develop, which is personally what it seems like happened with me.
Secondly I've noticed autistic people seem to be more likely than the general population to be lgbt, kinky, or otherwise be open about alternative sexual identities and sexual practices. There are a few places this might stem from including a lack of connection to or apathy towards social norms leading to more openness towards exploring and embracing alternative sexual identities.
Lastly are the attempts to explain why there might not actually be a link. It's possible that the platforms people tend to discuss zoophilia on are especially appealing to people with autism and/or social anxiety. It's also possible that autistic zoophiles are more likely to be open about it/seek out social interaction based upon it than non-autistic zoophiles. It's also possible autistic zoophiles are less likely to suppress their feelings and more likely to form an identity around them.
Personally I think there is a link. I know that's a statement that'll be unpopular in both autism and zoophile circles, but whatever.
