Cognitive behavioural therapy for sexual offenders with autism spectrum disorders: A case study

Abstract

The vast majority of individuals with autism do not commit sexual offenses. While there has been some suggestion of a tendency towards anti-social or offending behaviors, a propensity for breaking the law by those with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder has not been found in the research literature. However, the small number of individuals with autism spectrum disorder who do commit crimes appear to cover the full spectrum of offenses committed by offenders without autism spectrum disorder, including sexual offences, arson, violence, theft, terrorism, and manslaughter, although large scale studies suggest they tend to commit proportionately fewer property, driving, and drug offences. The purpose of this case study is to present the use of cognitive behavior therapy to therapeutically address the problem sexual behaviors of a young man with ASD.