NCJ Number
208097
Journal
Sexual Abuse: A Journal of Research and Treatment Volume: 16 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2004 Pages: 381-392
Date Published
October 2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article reviews assessment and management techniques useful for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities.
Abstract
The study of sexual offending by individuals with intellectual disabilities is peppered with long-standing myths and stereotypes about this population as untreatable. The article begins with a review of the prevalence of intellectual disabilities among sex offenders. Prevalence figures vary widely due to differences in methodology and the authors state that irregardless of the prevalence rates, sex offenders with an intellectual disability are an underserved group due to the fact that many treatment programs exclude them on the basis of their disability. Next, the authors turn to a review of the assessment techniques used with sex offenders, including the measurement of sexual knowledge, sexual attitudes, cognitive distortions, and the completion of a functional analysis to define the relationship between problematic sexual behavior, its antecedents and consequences, and the reasons or purpose for the behavior. Treatment approaches are outlined and include pharmacological strategies and psychologically-based strategies incorporating group treatment, which has been found to be especially effective with this group of offenders. In general, the assumption that this group of offenders is beyond treatment is a myth; assessment and treatment approaches for sex offenders with intellectual disabilities have proved effective and worthwhile. Figures, references