Adolescents with learning disabilities who show sexually inappropriate or abusive behaviours: development of a research study

Abstract

This paper sets out some key issues regarding sexual abuse perpetrated by adolescents with a learning disability. The limited evidence currently available is largely anecdotal or from small-scale/ case studies, but emphasizes that much behaviour of this kind never comes to the attention of either statutory social services or the criminal justice system. It is argued here that statutory services should be involved in such cases in order both to protect potential victims and to improve the ongoing life chances of alleged perpetrators. Specifically, it is posited that only by naming this problem can professionals hope to make effective interventions. The various organizational structures and systems adopted by four social services departments are outlined and their possible impacts on case outcomes are discussed. Little empirical research has so far been undertaken in this highly sensitive area, but an initiative from The Ann Craft Trust (formerly NAPSAC) aims to provide new evidence to help shape future best practice in this field.

Young people with learning disabilities who sexually harm others: the role of criminal justice within a multi-agency response

“…The complex issues surrounding young people with learning disabilities who show sexually inappropriate or abusive behaviours have received little research attention (Fyson et al. 2003).…”

“…1999) but have revealed little about the route by which these young people came to receive specialist input and the involvement or otherwise of criminal justice agencies in this process. By contrast, the present study sought to investigate both inappropriate and abusive sexual behaviours, in order to better understand the connections between the two and to identify how current education, welfare and criminal justice systems do or do not work together to support these troubled and troubling young people (Fyson 2005).…”

Aggressive behaviour and its prevalence within five typologies

“…For example, Simpson et al (1999) defined ‘sexually aberrant behaviour’ as including paedophilia, rape and exhibitionism, inappropriate touching and verbal disinhibition. Fyson et al (2003) found in a mixed method research study utilising triangulation of a cross-sectional survey with unstructured interviews of service managers and a longitudinal prospective survey of all front-line carers that in the area of intellectual disability, there was an unambiguous complexity in determining the point at which inappropriate sexual behaviour warranted intervention. Sequentially, this meant that often no intervention was made until the individual committed a sexual offense that was deemed significant enough to be reported.…”

“…Like many challenging behaviours, inappropriate sexual behaviour can place an immense strain on individuals and their relationships (Alagiakrishnan et al, 2005). The intricate concern surrounding individuals with intellectual disability who exhibit sexually inappropriate behaviour has received little research attention (Fyson et al, 2003). However, while other problematic behaviours such as aggression against others and self-injurious behaviour have received extensive attention in the literature pertaining to intellectual disability (Collins and Cornish, 2002;Didden et al, 2007;Totsika et al, 2008;Wisely et al, 2002), research motivated towards inappropriate sexual behaviour remains relatively insufficient.…”

RESEARCH SECTION: Sexually inappropriate or abusive behaviour among pupils in special schools

“…Regardless of its causes, the fact that young people with learning disabilities may exhibit sexually inappropriate or abusive behaviours should be of concern to all parents and professionals. Preventing behaviours which are merely inappropriate from escalating into acts of abuse is important not only because of the harm that such acts cause to others, but also because being labelled a ‘sexual abuser’ will undoubtedly further damage the already limited life opportunities of a young person with a learning disability (Fyson, Eadie & Cooke, 2003).…”