Harmful sexual behaviours: Perspectives on providing optimal support from clinicians working with people with intellectual disabilities

BACKGROUND: Children and young people with intellectual disabilities are over-represented among those presenting to services for engaging in harmful sexual behaviour. How clinicians provide optimal support to this population is unknown. METHOD: Eleven Australian clinicians working with people with intellectual disabilities and those with other disabilities completed an online qualitative survey about their experiences providing support for harmful sexual behaviour and the factors that enable or hinder effective practice. RESULTS: Reflexive thematic analysis identified three themes that reflect clinicians' perceptions and experiences: (i) the importance of individualised, trauma-informed care, (ii) lack of resources and restrictive funding frameworks, and (iii) sex education gaps as a contributor to harmful sexual behaviour. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight key themes warranting further investigation in harmful sexual behaviour practice with this population. Developing supports that meet the needs of children and young people with intellectual disabilities and others impacted by harmful sexual behaviour is crucial.