Medical Therapy for Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors in a Teen With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Pediatrics. 2016 Apr;137(4):e20154366. doi: 10.1542/peds.2015-4366. Epub 2016 Mar 2.

Abstract

Teens with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit sexual behaviors in public that are disturbing to parents, teachers, and peers. Some have proposed that such behaviors can be curtailed with hormonal suppression. There is information on the Internet suggesting that such medications work, and some reports in the peer-reviewed medical literature support these claims. Such medications can have serious side effects. In this paper, we present a case in which parents requested such treatment of their teenage son with autism spectrum disorder.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology
  • Male
  • Sexual Behavior* / drug effects