Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) Resources for Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
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Understanding Harmful or Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB) in Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities
While much of the information and resources about harmful sexual behaviors are applicable to all children, children with intellectual or developmental disabilities may have unique reasons for engaging in harmful sexual behaviors and require unique approaches to treatment.
There are many reasons why children with a developmental or intellectual disability engage in these behaviors:
- They are unaware their behaviors are socially inappropriate and can be harmful to others. Children with disabilities may have less sexual health education than their neurotypical peers, which can lead to inappropriate sexual behaviors.
- They may be trying to communicate a want or a need. Children with disabilities may have limited ways to appropriately communicate their wants and needs and instead learn that by behaving inappropriately, they are removed from a situation they find uncomfortable, gain access to a preferred item or activity, or obtain attention from a peer or adult.
- They might be taking off their clothing, or touching themselves or others, because of sensory-seeking behavior.
- Their fine motor skills challenges might make it difficult to properly dress. For example, they might not be able to zip up their pants after going to the bathroom.
- They might have developed these behaviors as a way to cope with, and process, their own experience of abuse. Having a developmental or intellectual disability puts children at an increased risk of maltreatment (including sexual abuse).
Guidance and Resources to Support Children with an Intellectual or Developmental Disability who Engage in Harmful or Problematic Sexual Behaviors (PSB)
Guidance for Caregivers
If your child has a disability and is engaging in harmful sexual behaviors, consider the following:
Consult with professionals, including:
- Their disability service provider, who can provide further assessment. This can help get services or supports in place to help your child navigate their specific behavioral challenges.
- Their IEP team, to ensure accommodations are put in place to address their sexual behaviors.
- Remember that consistency of language helps everyone understand goals and expectations.
Seek out specialized resources that are tailored to the developmental needs of your child to help them understand their own sexual health, boundaries, and relationships.
Don’t shy away from discussing the behavior, or the topic of sexual behavior in general. Although these conversations can be awkward or difficult, clear and consistent communication can help prevent future harm
Help your child identify safe adults in their life who they can reach out to with any issues or questions. Given the increased risk of maltreatment of children with disabilities, it is especially important for them to know who to turn to for help.
Guidance for Professionals
If the child you are working with is engaging in harmful sexual behaviors, consult with their disability service provider for further assessment. This can help get services or supports in place to help the child navigate their specific behavioral challenges.
Coordinate with their disability service provider and/or IEP team at school to ensure that your services align with their accommodation plans. Working together will help the child navigate their sexual behaviors successfully.
Be explicit in conversations about their behavior. Stay patient and avoid shaming. Clearly acknowledge the sexual behaviors and redirect them towards safe and appropriate behaviors.
Help the child identify safe adults in their life that they can reach out to with any issues or questions. Given the increased risk of maltreatment of children with disabilities, it is especially important for them to know who to turn to for help.
Resources
- Rock the Talk – Children with Disabilities, published by The Mama Bear Effect, is an online guide for caregivers on sexual and physical abuse of children with disabilities.
- An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch: Teaching Social and Physical Boundaries to Kids by Hunter Manasco is a friendly picture book that explains how to tell the difference between acceptable and inappropriate touch and helps children with special needs stay safe.
- What’s Happening to Tom? A book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions by Kate Reynolds covers the changes boys with special needs go through over the course of their childhoods.
- “Intellectual Disability and Problems with Sexual Behavior” is a guidebook for professionals who are developing service plans and ongoing supports for individuals with disabilities.
This guidance is intended for use after harmful sexual behaviors has occurred. If you’re wondering if a child’s sexual behaviors are healthy or concerning, visit the National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth website for more information.
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