Treatment of a constellation of inappropriate sexual and social behaviors in a 20 year old man with Down's Syndrome

Abstract

In 1983, a Down's Syndrome male (I.Q. 72) “AB” who resided in a community residence was charged by local police with “Exposing” his genitalia, as a result of an incident of exhibitionism. Upon investigation by the New Jersey Division of Mental Retardation (a State of New Jersey Agency now named the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities), it was found that AB had a constellation of inappropriate sexual and social behaviors. A treatment plan was designed by a State Psychologist, a private Psychologist, a State Special Educator, a State Social Worker, and residential staff, with the full cooperation of AB's parents. The treatment approach combined traditional psychotherapy, a token economy plan, and vigorous social skills training. AB has been followed for 7 years and the treatment plan has been modified a number of times, as AB's behavior has continued to improve. Over the 7 years, AB has not had any more arrests on sexual charges and his overall social behavior has shown marked improvement.