Understanding Nebulasexuality
As society grows more inclusive, new labels are helping people describe experiences traditional terms can’t capture.
One such identity is nebulasexual, which relates to neurodivergent individuals who find it hard to define or understand their sexual attraction.
The term reflects the “clouded” or unclear feelings they experience—especially when living with conditions like autism, ADHD, or OCD.
Attraction Through a Neurodivergent Lens
For many neurodivergent people, attraction isn’t easily categorized.
“I might think someone is attractive, but whether that’s sexual, aesthetic, or just my brain hyperfixating…
No clue,” one ADHD user shared. Another explained, “The intrusive thoughts make it so hard to know what’s ME and what’s just my brain being chaotic.”
This confusion isn’t about questioning sexuality; it’s a consistent experience shaped by how their brains work.
Defining Nebulasexual
Nebulasexual falls under the quoisexual umbrella. A Facebook post from Autism Nottingham defines it as someone who “cannot tell if they experience sexual attraction or not due to neurodivergency or intrusive thoughts/urges/images.”
People may desire relationships or sex but remain unsure if they truly feel attraction. As one Redditor put it, “We aren’t broken, we just experience attraction in a different way due to our disorders.”
Reactions and Representation
While some embrace the term, others remain skeptical. One Facebook user wrote, “We have officially lost it… Really, doesn’t it just make you want to drop whatever is in your hands and go home.” Still, supporters argue these terms help validate personal experiences. “At least I can understand this part of myself,” shared one autistic user. “I’m glad we’re gradually giving these ideas a platform.”