Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Private Touch for Adults: An Intervention Guide for Support

Overcoming the Behavior Challenge of Private Touch for Adults is a respectful, supportive, and trauma-informed intervention guide designed for adults—and the professionals, caregivers, and direct support staff who assist them—in understanding and navigating private body boundaries, consent, and appropriate touch. For neurodivergent adults, including those with Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, or developmental delays, learning about private body parts, privacy, and safe touch is essential to well-being and independence.

Developed by a multidisciplinary team of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), and Registered Nurses (RNs), this guide offers clear, direct tools to promote dignity, body safety, and behavioral growth with compassion and respect.

In this guide, you’ll learn to:

• Teach appropriate touch and boundaries in clear, non-shaming language
• Use visuals, routines, and social stories tailored for adult learners
• Address unwanted or unsafe behaviors with proactive, supportive strategies
• Reinforce body autonomy, personal space, and consent
• Build communication skills around private topics with confidence and care

Whether you’re supporting someone in a group home, clinic, or community setting—or working toward greater independence yourself—this book offers realistic, step-by-step supports to promote safe and respectful behavior.

Everyone deserves the right to understand their body, express boundaries, and feel safe.
You GOT THIS!
— The OBC Team: Dr. Holthaus, BCBA Melissa Killam, and SLP Maggie Kuykendall