Long-term treatment of sexual behavior problems in adolescent and adult developmentally disabled persons

Sixteen developmentally disabled males with serious sexual behavior problems received combinations of individual counseling, social skills training, sex education, house programs, and individualized sexual behavior management programs. Outcome was evaluated using a variety of outcome criteria related to transfer to less restrictive settings, reduction in targeted behaviors, and changes in level of independent functioning and need for supervision. Treatment and follow-up covered periods as long as five years. Outcome was not systematically related to specific treatment components or the total number of components. Those with the more favorable outcome functioned at higher levels intellectually, were older at admission, had fewer collateral behavior problems, and received services related to sexual behavior more rapidly following admission. The results support the utility of multicomponent behavioral treatment for these problems with this population. More systematic studies of treatment outcome are discussed.