CSAYC General Facts

(Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician)

Therapy to address sexually maladaptive behaviors.

No one experiences sexually maladaptive behaviors the same way as someone else. Understanding the signs, symptoms and side effects of sexually maladaptive behavior is a key component toward starting the recovery journey.

No one experiences sexually maladaptive behaviors the same way as someone else. Understanding the signs, symptoms and side effects of sexually maladaptive behavior is a key component toward starting the recovery journey.

Sexually maladaptive behavior occurs along a spectrum and presents differently for each child. Children with sexual behavioral problems can range widely in the degree of severity and potential harm to other children.

Signs and symptoms of sexually maladaptive behaviors

There are certain red flags that occur in children of which parents should never ignore that may indicate there may be sexually problematic behavior. This type of behavior indicates that there may be improper or unbalanced development which can turn into far greater problems. Some symptoms of sexually maladaptive behaviors include:

  • Hidden pornography, especially in children under 12

  • Inappropriate, unwanted sexual contact with other children

  • Sexually bullying, harassment, or assault

  • Repetitive public exposure

  • Ignoring rules and authority figures

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Exhibit highly aggressive behavior

  • Lack of proper social skills

  • Extreme curiosity of adults or other children’s bodies

  • Rubbing body against others

  • Trying to insert tongue in mouth when kissing

  • Touching peer or adult genitals

  • Crude movements associated with sexual acts

  • Asking peers or adults to engage in specific acts

  • Inserting objects into genitals

  • Touching animal genitals

  • Variety of sexual behaviors displayed on a daily basis

  • Sexual behavior that results in emotional distress or physical pain

  • Coercive acts

  • Causes physical harm to his or her on genitals

  • Disturbing toileting behaviors

If sexually maladaptive behaviors are not properly addressed, they can lead to even greater problems later in life. Active involvement of the parents and other caregivers is essential to maximize the treatment of children who display sexually maladaptive behaviors.

A Credentialed Sexual Abuse Youth Clinician (CSAYC) allows clinicians to provide treatment (which is oftentimes court mandated) for adolescents who has engaged in sexually abusive behavior. For more information, visit here.