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A Review and Treatment Selection Model for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Who Engage in Inappropriate Sexual Behavior

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Abstract

Some individuals with developmental disabilities develop inappropriate sexual behaviors such as public masturbation, disrobing, and touching others in an unwanted sexual manner. Such acts are problematic given the taboo nature of the behaviors and the potential for significant negative consequences, such as restricted community access, injury, and legal ramifications. Therefore, it is necessary to equip caregivers and practitioners with effective treatment options. The purpose of this paper is to review studies that have evaluated behavioral treatments to reduce inappropriate sexual behavior in persons with developmental disabilities. The strengths and weaknesses of each treatment are reviewed, and a model for treatment selection is provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA

    Tonya N. Davis, Rachel Scalzo & Alicia Kobylecky

  2. University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Wendy Machalicek & Vincent Campbell

  3. George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA

    Sarah Pinkelman

  4. Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, USA

    Jeffrey Michael Chan

  5. Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand

    Jeff Sigafoos

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  1. Tonya N. Davis
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  2. Wendy Machalicek
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  3. Rachel Scalzo
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  4. Alicia Kobylecky
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  5. Vincent Campbell
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  7. Jeffrey Michael Chan
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Correspondence to Tonya N. Davis.

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Davis, T.N., Machalicek, W., Scalzo, R. et al. A Review and Treatment Selection Model for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities Who Engage in Inappropriate Sexual Behavior. Behav Analysis Practice 9, 389–402 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-015-0062-3

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