Using a Multicomponent Model in the Assessment of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Problems in Sexual Behaviour

In this chapter, the authors talks about assessment processes for persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disorders (IDD) who have engaged in sexually offensive conduct, focusing largely on principles and practices associated with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA). Assessment of sexual offending behaviour utilizing the principles of ABA should follow the same process as behavioural assessment for other problematic behaviours, within a holistic comprehensive approach. Determining the cause(s) of a behaviour through a comprehensive functional behaviour assessment (FBA) that evaluates variables associated with challenging behaviours and designs treatment based on results, is considered best practice for persons with IDD. This assessment approach as traditionally applied has not typically been employed to assess and treat sexualized offending behaviour although these behaviours also serve functions that need to be considered in treatment. The authors outline the principles of effective interventions – relying mostly on the Andrews and Bonta RNR model.