A Rapid Evidence Assessment on The Effectiveness of Interventions for Autistic Adolescents with Harmful Sexual Behaviors
This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.
About the autistic author markerTrew, S. & Russell, D. H. (2024). A Rapid Evidence Assessment on The Effectiveness of Interventions for Autistic Adolescents with Harmful Sexual Behaviors. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(4), 3149-3163. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248380241241024
This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:
Authors
Abstract
The management and treatment of harmful sexual behaviors (HSBs) in autistic adolescents is a complex area of research and clinical practice. Autistic adolescents face unique challenges in understanding social and sexual interactions, putting them at a higher risk of engaging in HSBs. Existing research on interventions for HSBs among autistic adults is growing, but evidence for adolescents is not well understood. Thus, understanding the effectiveness of interventions targeting HSBs in autistic adolescents is crucial. We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to review peer-reviewed research on the effectiveness of interventions for autistic adolescents at risk of or engaging in HSBs. In all, 12 studies met the criteria for review. Inclusion criteria required articles to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, be related to HSB prevention and intervention in adolescents aged 12 to 18 with autism spectrum disorder, be written in English, and include original data. Six databases were used, and we screened the titles and abstracts of 34 studies. The reviewed studies described cognitive-behavioral therapy, pharmacological interventions, family involvement, and multidisciplinary team approaches in addressing HSBs. However, the literature has significant limitations and we suggest that the literature is not robust enough to indicate a promising evidence-based approach for interventions for autistic adolescents who are at risk of or who display and engage in HSBs, and the findings are not transferable to practice. Additional research is required to better prepare healthcare professionals for addressing HSBs in autistic adolescents.
Bibliography cited by this reference
Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.
Cited bibliography overview
These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 19 Sep 2026 01:01.
- With a DOI
- 50
- Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
- 13
- References with detected author names
- 59 / 65 (90.8%)
- Without detected author names
- 6
- Without a structured title
- 7
- Without a stable identifier
- 12
- References with raw author names still to review
- 5
- References with external metadata lookup issues
- 2
- From DOI or external metadata
- 199
- From validated raw bibliography text
- 0
- Raw names already validated
- 0
- Raw names still to review
- 13
-
(2006). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: a practical guide . Choice Reviews Online, 43(10), 43-5664-43-5664. American Library Association.OpenAlex
-
Louise Acker , Matthew TD Knight , Fiona Knott (2018). ‘Are they just gonna reject me?’ Male adolescents with autism making sense of anxiety: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 56, 9-20. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Simon Hackett (2010). Children and Young People with Harmful Sexual behaviours . In Children Behaving Badly? (pp. 121-135). Wiley.OpenAlex
-
Allely, Clare , Creaby-Attwood, Ann (2016). Sexual offending and autism spectrum disorders . Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 7(1), 35-51. Emerald.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Giorgia Sala , Merrilyn Hooley , Tony Attwood *Autistic author. Learn more… , Gary B. Mesibov , Mark A Stokes (2019). Autism and Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review of Sexuality and Relationship Education . Sexuality and Disability, 37(3), 353-382. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
-
Shadish, William R. 1949- , Cook, Thomas D. 1941- , Campbell, Donald T. 1916-1996 (2002). Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference . Experimental and quasi-experimental designs for generalized causal inference.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1730782591Crossref OpenAlex
-
American Psychiatric Association (2022). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders . American Psychiatric Association Publishing.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kelly J. Stobbe , Mia Scheffers , Jooske T. van Busschbach , Robert Didden (2021). Prevention and Intervention Programs Targeting Sexual Abuse in Individuals with Mild Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review . Journal of Mental Health Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 14(2), 135-158. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Debbie Spain , Jacqueline Sin , Eleni Paliokosta , Marie Furuta , Jonathan E Prunty , Trudie Chalder et al. (2017). Family therapy for autism spectrum disorders . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(5), 11894. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Barends E. (2017). CEBMa guideline for rapid evidence assessments in management and organizations, version 1.0 . CEBMa guideline for rapid evidence assessments in management and organizations, version 1.0.Type: OtherCrossref
-
M. Govindshenoy , N. Spencer (2007). Abuse of the disabled child: a systematic review of population‐based studies . Child: Care, Health and Development, 33(5), 552-558. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Laurie McLay , Amarie Carnett , Gaye Tyler-Merrick , Larah van der Meer (2015). A Systematic Review of Interventions for Inappropriate Sexual Behavior of Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities . Review Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2(4), 357-373. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kristen Bottema-Beutel , Steven K. Kapp *Autistic author. Learn more… , Jessica Nina Lester , Noah J. Sasson , Brittany N. Hand (2021). Avoiding Ableist Language: Suggestions for Autism Researchers . Autism in Adulthood, 3(1), 18-29. SAGE Publications.
-
Simon M. Bury , Rachel Jellett , Jennifer R. Spoor , Darren Hedley (2023). “It Defines Who I Am” or “It’s Something I Have”: What Language Do [Autistic] Australian Adults [on the Autism Spectrum] Prefer? Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 677-687. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Jordan Sibeoni , Laura Massoutier , Marie Valette , Emilie Manolios , Laurence Verneuil , Mario Speranza et al. (2022). The sensory experiences of autistic people: A metasynthesis . Autism, 26(5), 1032-1045. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
FRANCES RAY , CHRISTINA MARKS , HELEN BRAY-GARRETSON (2004). Challenges to Treating Adolescents with Asperger's Syndrome Who are Sexually Abusive . Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 11(4), 265-285. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Fiona Campbell , Andrew Booth , Simon Hackett , Anthea Sutton (2020). Young People Who Display Harmful Sexual Behaviors and Their Families: A Qualitative Systematic Review of Their Experiences of Professional Interventions . Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 21(3), 456-469. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lorne J Hofseth (2018). Getting rigorous with scientific rigor . Carcinogenesis, 39(1), 21-25. Oxford University Press (OUP).Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Eric Griffin-Shelley (2010). An Asperger's Adolescent Sex Addict, Sex Offender: A Case Study . Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity, 17(1), 46-64. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Judy Cashmore , Rita Shackel (2013). The Long-Term Effects of Child Sexual Abuse . PsycEXTRA Dataset. American Psychological Association (APA).Type: Dataset DOI: 10.1037/e567322013-001Crossref OpenCitations
-
Rachel Wamser-Nanney , Claudia L. Campbell (2020). Childhood sexual abuse characteristics, abuse stress, and PTSS: Ties to sexual behavior problems . Child Abuse & Neglect, 105, 104290. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Murat Coskun , Sevcan Karakoc , Fuat Kircelli , Nahit Motavalli Mukaddes (2009). Effectiveness of Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in Individuals with Autistic Disorder . Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 19(2), 203-206. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Leah N. Clionsky , Amanda M. N’Zi (2020). Addressing Sexual Acting Out Behaviors with Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum . Adolescent Psychiatry, 9(2), 129-134. Bentham Science Publishers Ltd..Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Gabriel Schnitzer , Rachel Terry , Trish Joscelyne (2020). Adolescent sex offenders with autism spectrum conditions: currently used treatment approaches and their impact . The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 31(1), 17-40. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
DanielC. Murrie , JanetI. Warren , Marianne Kristiansson , ParkE. Dietz (2002). Asperger's Syndrome in Forensic Settings . International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 1(1), 59-70. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Murat Coskun , Nahit Motavalli Mukaddes (2008). Mirtazapine Treatment in a Subject with Autistic Disorder and Fetishism . Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, 18(2), 206-209. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Melina Sevlever , Matthew E. Roth , Jennifer M. Gillis (2013). Sexual Abuse and Offending in Autism Spectrum Disorders . Sexuality and Disability, 31(2), 189-200. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Andrew R. Thompson , N. Beail (2002). The Treatment of Auto‐erotic Asphyxiation in a Man with Severe Intellectual Disabilities: the Effectiveness of a Behavioural and Educational Programme . Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 15(1), 36-47. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Deepmala , Mayank Agrawal (2014). Use of Propranolol for Hypersexual Behavior in an Adolescent With Autism . Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 48(10), 1385-1388. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Chad Shenk , Arthur Brown (2007). Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of an Adolescent Sexual Offender With an Intellectual Disability . Clinical Case Studies, 6(4), 307-324. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kate Dredge , John Rose (2023). Non-pharmacological treatment for individuals with autism spectrum conditions who display harmful sexual behaviour . International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, 69(6), 783-796. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Tiago S. Jesus (2022). Rigour and transparency in the family of systematic reviews: The International Journal of Health Planning and Management encourages prospective protocol registration . The International Journal of Health Planning and Management, 37(5), 2523-2527. Wiley.OpenCitations
-
Reina S. Factor , Thomas H. Ollendick , Lee D. Cooper , Julie C. Dunsmore , Hannah M. Rea , Angela Scarpa (2019). All in the Family: A Systematic Review of the Effect of Caregiver-Administered Autism Spectrum Disorder Interventions on Family Functioning and Relationships . Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 22(4), 433-457. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Katy-Louise Payne , Katie Maras , A. Russell , M. Brosnan (2020). Self-reported motivations for offending by autistic sexual offenders . Autism, 24(2), 307-320. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Barbara G Haskins , J Arturo Silva (2006). Asperger's disorder and criminal behavior: forensic-psychiatric considerations. PubMed, 34(3), 374-84.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2101741080OpenAlex
-
Mutia Farlina (2019). Prevention of Sexual Abuse in Children with Mental Disability: A Systematic Literature Review . IJDS Indonesian Journal of Disability Studies, 6(1), 73-83. Brawijaya University.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Cara Fosdick , Sarah Mohiuddin (2016). Case Report: Resolution of Severe Sexual Aggression in a Developmentally Disabled Adolescent During Leuprolide Acetate Use . Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 46(6), 2267-2269. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kevin A. Hallgren (2012). Computing Inter-Rater Reliability for Observational Data: An Overview and Tutorial . Tutorials in Quantitative Methods for Psychology, 8(1), 23-34. The Quantitative Methods for Psychology.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Mathew Nguyen , Tanya Murphy (2001). MIRTAZAPINE FOR EXCESSIVE MASTURBATION IN AN ADOLESCENT WITH AUTISM . Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 40(8), 868-869. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Inge B. Wissink , Eveline van Vugt , Xavier Moonen , Geert-Jan J.M. Stams , Jan Hendriks (2015). Sexual abuse involving children with an intellectual disability (ID): A narrative review . Research in Developmental Disabilities, 36, 20-35. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Hackett S. (2014). Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours . Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Maria Grazia Maggio , Patrizia Calatozzo , Antonio Cerasa , Giovanni Pioggia , Angelo Quartarone , Rocco Salvatore Calabrò (2022). Sex and Sexuality in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Scoping Review on a Neglected but Fundamental Issue . Brain Sciences, 12(11), 1427. MDPI AG.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Lorcan Kenny , Caroline Hattersley , Bonnie Molins , Carole Buckley , Carol Povey , Elizabeth Pellicano (2016). Which terms should be used to describe autism? Perspectives from the UK autism community . Autism, 20(4), 442-462. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Hackett S. (2019). Operational framework for children and young people displaying harmful sexual behaviours . Operational framework for children and young people displaying harmful sexual behaviours.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Maria H. Nagtegaal , Cyril Boonmann (2022). Child Sexual Abuse and Problems Reported by Survivors of CSA: A Meta-Review . Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 31(2), 147-176. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Helen P Hailes , Rongqin Yu , Andrea Danese , Seena Fazel (2019). Long-term outcomes of childhood sexual abuse: an umbrella review . The Lancet Psychiatry, 6(10), 830-839. Elsevier BV.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Y Kohn , T Fahum , G Ratzoni , A Apter (1998). Aggression and sexual offense in Asperger's syndrome. PubMed, 35(4), 293-9.Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2280389430OpenAlex
-
Haskins B. G. (2006). bibr23-15248380241241024 Journal of the American Academy of Psychiatry and the Law Online, 34(3), 374.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Duncan Pritchard , Nicola Graham , Heather Penney , Gwynne Owen , Sandra Peters , F. Charles Mace (2016). Multi-component behavioural intervention reduces harmful sexual behaviour in a 17-year-old male with autism spectrum disorder: a case study . Journal of Sexual Aggression, 22(3), 368-378. Informa UK Limited.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Higgins J. P. T. (2022). Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 6.3 (updated February 2022) . Cochrane handbook for systematic reviews of interventions version 6.3 (updated February 2022).Type: OtherCrossref
-
Leanne M. Kmet , Linda S. Cook , Robert C. Lee (2004). Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields . ERA: Education and Research Archive (University of Alberta). University of Alberta Library.OpenAlex
-
Sebastian Trew *Autistic author. Learn more… (2024). Made to feel different: Families perspectives on external responses to autism and the impacts on family well-being and relationships . Autism, 28(8), 2120-2139. SAGE Publications.
-
Kirsten Visser , Kirstin Greaves‐Lord , Nouchka T. Tick , Frank C. Verhulst , Athanasios Maras , Esther J.M. van der Vegt (2017). A randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of the Tackling Teenage psychosexual training program for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder . Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 58(7), 840-850. Wiley.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
Kmet L. M., Cook L. S., Lee R. C. (2014). Standard quality assessment criteria for evaluating primary research papers from a variety of fields. Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR). https://www.ihe.ca/publications/standard-quality-assessment-criteria-for-evaluating-primary-research-papers-from-a-variety-of-fieldsType: OtherCrossref
-
Laura Mattys , Ilse Noens , Kris Evers , Dieter Baeyens (2018). “Hold Me Tight So I Can Go It Alone”: Developmental Themes for Young Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder . Qualitative Health Research, 28(2), 321-333. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
-
*Kohn Y. (1998). bibr28-15248380241241024 The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences, 35(4), 293.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Jonathan A. Weiss , Michelle A. Fardella (2018). “Victimization and Perpetration Experiences of Adults With Autism.” . Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9(May), 203. Frontiers Media SA.OpenAlex
-
Jenna Meiksans , Leah Bromfield , Lesley-Anne Ey (2017). A continuum of responses for harmful sexual behaviours . Analysis & Policy Observatory. Australian Centre for Child Protection.OpenAlex
-
Meiksans J., Bromfield L., Ey L. (2017). A continuum of responses for harmful sexual behaviours. Australian Centre for Child Protection. https://www.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/episerver-6-files/global/eass/research/accp/a-continuum-of-responses-for-harmful-sexual-behaviours-australian-centre-for-child-protection-april-2018.pdfType: OtherCrossref
-
National Health Service. (2020). Autism spectrum condition (ASC). https://www.england.nhs.uk/coronavirus/documents/covid-19-guide-autism-spectrum-condition-asc/Type: OtherCrossref
-
Matthew J Page , David Moher , Patrick M Bossuyt , Isabelle Boutron , Tammy C Hoffmann , Cynthia D Mulrow et al. (2021). The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews . BMJ, 372, n71. BMJ.Crossref OpenAlex
-
Petticrew M. (2008). Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide . Systematic reviews in the social sciences: A practical guide.Type: OtherCrossref
-
Quadara A., O’Brien W., Ball O., Douglas W., Vu L. (2020). Good practice in delivering and evaluating interventions for young people with harmful sexual behaviours (Research report). ANROWS. https://aifs.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-03/5717-good-practice-delivering-evaluating-interventions-young-people-harmful-sexual-behaviours.pdfType: OtherCrossref
-
Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. (2017). Final report. Children with harmful sexual behaviours (vol. 10). Commonwealth of Australia. https://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/sites/default/files/final_report_-_volume_10_children_with_harmful_sexual_behaviours.pdfType: OtherCrossref
-
Douglas Hugh Russell , Sebastian Trew *Autistic author. Learn more… , Lottie Harris , Jessica Dickson , Kerryann Walsh , Daryl John Higgins et al. (2024). Engaging Parents in Child-Focused Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Education Strategies: A Systematic Review . Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 25(4), 3082-3098. SAGE Publications.Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations