Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour in children and teenagers with autism
Share this guide with parents and carers of children or teens with autism who’ve displayed problematic or harmful sexual behaviour. It explores why it can happen and how to respond to individual need.
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Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
Published on 2025
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Support parents and carers of children or teens with autism who have displayed problematic or harmful sexual behaviour to
Understand some of the reasons a child with autism might display problematic or harmful sexual behaviour
Identify what underlying need or challenge a behaviour might be related to
Devise strategies for responding, tailored to an individual child’s needs
It covers
Factors that can contribute to problematic or harmful sexual behaviour
Practical strategies for responding to and redirecting behaviours based on the needs or challenges driving them
How to teach boundaries, consent, privacy and expectations around sexual behaviour
Open this resource
Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
If you are a parent or carer
You’re in the right place. This is a guide for parents and carers of children or teenagers with autism who have concerns about problematic or harmful sexual behaviour. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 07 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.