Developing good practice in autism and harmful sexual behaviours (HSB)

The need for adapted guidance for this population had been identified by frontline practitioners in a range of agencies. The objectives of the research were to contribute to the limited research knowledge base; to understand what guidance was required and to develop, peer review and pilot practice guidance on autism and HSB to meet the practitioners’ needs. <br><br>An action research framework was used to include the practitioners in two phases of work.

First phase, the development of theoretical concepts re autism and HSB, using the literature review, surveys and interviews. Second phase an external review of draft practice guidance through peer review and pilot processes, both of which included autistic professionals. Being part of the research has already had an impact on HSB practice with the Practice Guidance providing a starting point for further development in this emerging area of work. <br><br>The key findings from the research led to the creation of theoretical constructs on the similarities and differences when working with autistic children and adolescents with HSB, with regard to their family backgrounds; trauma/abuse experiences and the meaning, motivation and intent of their sexual behaviours.