Depending on the severity of his autism, he may not understand puberty. I worked in a self contained sever autism school and had an issue with a student touching himself. The director of the school who was his teacher said that he didn't know what he was doing but was touching himself because of the irritating feeling it was causing him. You have to remember that those affected by autism lack many social skills and social desires as those without autism. I would have a private meeting with him and explain the differences between male and females. At this time, he may be just realizing the differences and that is why he is wanting to explore them and not from sexual intentions. And his body response may just be a natural reaction. Regardless, it is not socially acceptable for him to do this so he needs to be taught that he cannot touch others in that manner or himself in that way. Consequences may also need to be put in place to discourage the behavior. With autism the thing to remember is that you cannot assume the student is committing undesirable behavior on purpose because autism often affects these decisions.

I would first explain what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior with others and in school, let him know that that kind of behavior is unacceptable and if the behavior continues a discussion with Quinton's parents would be the next step.

Quinton needs to learn about boundaries. Just as a small child is taught to ask permission before they do a task, Quinton must do the same. So by instructing Quinton to ask permission before he acts impulsively, he will have to stop and wait for a response. Even when he asks if he can touch someone inappropriately the seed of what is right and what is wrong is being addressed by him asking and receiving a response.

Quinton needs a lesson on personal space and also the changes that are going on with him. I would involve his parents and also explain the consequences of sexual harassment. He needs to learn that putting his hands on people is unacceptable and touching himself is not something that is appropriate for school or in public. There are even the legal consequences outside of school.

Students with autism are stimulated by touch, especially the touch of fabrics and surfaces that feel good to them. A social story that explains the acceptable physical boundaries should be a good strategy.

You could inform Quinton that it is natural to feel the way he does but it is not okay do act this way at school.

I've always found social stories to be helpful when dealing with autistic students. So, a conference with Quinton and maybe a school counselor would be of great benefit to discuss frankly the boundaries of appropriate and inappropriate behavior. I believe his parents should be notified if he has been groping a teacher just so they can be aware of the situation, if they aren't already.

I would talk to the parents to keep them aware of what is going on. I also would contact the behavior specialist of the school to see if there is anything they can do to help.

Quinton needs to learn about puberty. He also needs to be taught what he can and cannot do and the consequences of the actions he has been doing.