A Systematic Review of Interventions for Inappropriate Sexual Behavior of Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

This review provides a systematic analysis of studies that evaluated interventions for inappropriate sexual behavior(s) of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Searches of databases, reference lists, and journals yielded 12 studies that met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Each study was summarized in terms of (a) participant characteristics, (b) dependent variables, (c) research design, (d) measures and data collection procedures, (e) independent variables, (f) treatment integrity, (g) results, and (h) level of certainty. All of the 12 studies reported decreases in the target behavior as the result of intervention. The most common intervention involved the use of multi-component behavioral strategies. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.