Dr. Malcolm answers parents’ questions and concerns about their autistic children.

By Ronald I. Malcolm, EdD

Beech of Heber, US, asks:

My autistic son is 11 years old. He speaks well and is good at reading - though he hates to read in front of others. He is in the mainstream school system. I just recently found out that during school, when he gets very anxious or stressed or gets an assignment that he feels is too hard for him, it triggers his body to have an erection.

He doesn't know how to handle this, so he'll rub himself whenever or wherever it happens. It is not sexual in any way or for pleasure, but it has made teachers and other students uncomfortable.

I tried talking to him about what is and is not appropriate, and he seemed to understand. So, is this common with kids on the spectrum, especially when they hit puberty? What is the best way to handle a situation like this? Thank you.

Hi Beech, Here are some strategies to handle this situation.

Communication

Keep the lines of communication open with your son. He is old enough that I’m sure he may find his situation with an erection occurring embarrassing. He needs to understand that the erection may be a result of his stress and anxiety and not something to be embarrassed by or attempt to hide from you when it has occurred at school.