What is typical? What is not?
Typical sexual development is a normal part of child development as long as it is mutually agreed upon between children of similar age and/or developmental level, exploratory and spontaneous in nature, intermittent, and easily redirected by an adult. When addressed, it should not be associated with strong emotions such as anger, anxiety, or fear. Sexual behavior can become problematic in nature when there is a risk to the safety and well-being of a child and/or children.
If your child is exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors, it does not always mean they have been sexually abused. There are a variety of reasons that a child may be exhibiting problematic sexual behaviors. Our Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) screening can help a parent/caregiver better understand where this problem behavior may be originating from as well as provide the child with a body safety lesson. The assessment specialist will also help determine if the child may benefit from treatment for this problematic behavior.
A Problematic Sexual Behavior (PSB) screening is a one-on-one body safety lesson between an Assessment Specialist and a child between the ages of 2 and 10. PSB screenings are utilized in situations where a child is exhibiting concerning sexualized behaviors, using sexualized language and/or exhibiting red-flag behavioral indicators of sexual abuse, but has not made any direct disclosures of sexual abuse.