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Autism and Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB): Where Can Concerned Parents Turn for Help?

By Stephen C. Schultz


I recently attended a meeting with Oxbow Academy, and it proved to be highly productive. Much of the discussion centered on the treatment of students who struggle with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While Oxbow Academy specializes in working with students facing Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), it has become apparent over the years that a subset of teens requires special attention and a refined therapeutic approach.


Oxbow Academy offers a variety of therapeutic interventions, but this post will primarily focus on the treatment of students with ASD. Nearly 50% of the students we work with have a diagnosis of ASD, Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NLD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or co-occurring conditions. Many also navigate sensitive adoption-related issues, including Attachment issues.

In our work with teens diagnosed with ASD, we use a variety of evidence-based treatment methods and tailor our approach to each client’s needs. Our therapeutic efforts are experiential in nature and relationship-based. Some of the approaches we employ include:

  • Relationship-based therapies
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Role-Playing (Oxbow Flag Board)
  • Psychoeducation: (Identifying emotions, self-awareness, awareness of others, and self-management)
  • Visual schedules/charts (Oxbow Flag Board)
  • Visual representation of abstract concepts (Sand Tray, Equine Therapy)
  • Bibliotherapy (Therapeutic Disclosure)
  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), modified for each client’s needs
  • Relaxation training and meditation
  • Social Stories (Carol Gray, 1998) (Personal Mission Statement)
  • Emotional Toolbox (Tony Attwood, 2007)
  • Visual Support (Carol Gray, 1994) (Personal Vision Board)
  • Self-Regulation Interventions (Baumeister & Vohs, 2017) (Oxbow Residential Living)

The challenge of ASD, compounded by Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB), requires a high level of expertise that is sensitive to the student’s therapeutic needs as well as the emotions of their families, who has often experienced confusion, misunderstanding, and even embarrassment over the years.

For more information on these developmental concerns, visit Oxbow Academy’s website: https://oxbowacademy.net/hypersexuality-in-teens/autism/


Additional Resources:

Michelle Garcia Winner

  • Area of Expertise: Social Thinking and pragmatic language development

  • Key Work:

    • Social Thinking® Framework
      Michelle Garcia Winner developed the Social Thinking methodology, which focuses on helping individuals improve their social competencies by teaching how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected in social contexts. This is particularly helpful for individuals with social learning challenges, such as those with autism spectrum disorders or ADHD.

    • Website: www.socialthinking.com
      The website offers numerous resources, curriculum materials, and training modules designed for educators, therapists, and families.

  • Relevance:
    Her work could provide structured, concept-based strategies to help students understand and improve their use of pragmatic language and overall social understanding in a more nuanced, teachable way.

Carol Gray

  • Area of Expertise: Social Stories for children with autism

  • Key Work:

    • The New Social Story Book, Revised and Expanded 10th Anniversary Edition (2010)
      This book contains over 150 Social Stories™ that model appropriate social behavior and help children understand how to respond in various everyday social situations. Social Stories are short narratives written from the perspective of the child, using clear, positive language to teach expected behaviors.

    • Website: www.thegraycenter.org
      The Gray Center provides resources, training, and examples for using Social Stories and promoting social learning.

  • Relevance:
    Social Stories could be a highly effective tool to concretely and visually teach students about specific social scenarios they encounter, helping them navigate them more confidently and appropriately.

Both Michelle Garcia Winner’s and Carol Gray’s approaches are widely respected and complementary of one another—one offering a broader cognitive framework (Social Thinking) and the other a practical, story-based tool (Social Stories). Together, they provide a well-rounded foundation for supporting children and teens in their social-emotional development.


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Location: United States

Comments

Tammy said…
Thanks for the info. My son is 13 and my husband and I will be dealing with this soon.
July 22, 2012 at 5:30 AM
Stephen C. Schultz said…
Thank you for your comment Tammy. I do hope you find this information helpful.
July 22, 2012 at 7:29 AM
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