Abstract
Purpose
Sexual Health Education (SHE) is an important issue for adolescents everywhere, including those with autism or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who live in the Arab world. These young people can become especially vulnerable if their sexual behaviour is inappropriate.
Methods
The current studies explored the effectiveness of culturally attuned Behavioural Activation to enhance safeguarding five autistic young people, while at the same time, not abrogating safe and appropriate sexual behaviour. The intervention was delivered via telehealth services.
Results
A significant decrease and eventually cessation of public masturbation (in four participants) and undressing others without their consent (in one participant) was observed.
Conclusion
Findings are discussed in terms of adaptations to the intervention to suit the Arab culture, individual family preferences, as well as implication for SHE and the use of Behavioural Activation more generally.
Sexual Health Education (SHE) is an important issue for adolescents everywhere, including those with autism or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) who live in the Arab world. These young people can become especially vulnerable if their sexual behaviour is inappropriate.
Methods
The current studies explored the effectiveness of culturally attuned Behavioural Activation to enhance safeguarding five autistic young people, while at the same time, not abrogating safe and appropriate sexual behaviour. The intervention was delivered via telehealth services.
Results
A significant decrease and eventually cessation of public masturbation (in four participants) and undressing others without their consent (in one participant) was observed.
Conclusion
Findings are discussed in terms of adaptations to the intervention to suit the Arab culture, individual family preferences, as well as implication for SHE and the use of Behavioural Activation more generally.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 15 |
| Journal | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders |
| Early online date | 10 Oct 2025 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Early online date - 10 Oct 2025 |
Keywords
- sexual health education
- Arab world
- autism
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Sexual health education for children and young people with autism and/or intellectual/development disabilities in the Arab world: a systematic literature review of the attitudes and experiences of parents and professionals
Saleh, A. & Dillenburger, K., Sept 2025, In: Sexuality and Disability. 43, 3, 18 p., 23.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile43 Downloads (Pure) -
Ethics in sexual behavior assessment and support for people with intellectual disability
Stein, S. & Dillenburger, K., Feb 2017, In: International Journal of Disability and Human Development. 16, 1, p. 11-17 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile16 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)3627 Downloads (Pure) -
The Importance of Sexuality Education for Children With and Without Intellectual Disabilities: What Parents Think
Stein, S., Kohut, T. & Dillenburger, K., 21 Nov 2017, (Early online date) In: Sexuality and Disability. 8 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile58 Link opens in a new tab Citations (Scopus)1601 Downloads (Pure)
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