Is it normal for a seven year old to masterbate in her sleep? Could it be a sign of sexual abuse?

Question by Marcel: Is it normal for a seven year old to masterbate in her sleep? Could it be a sign of sexual abuse?
I woke to find my 7 yr old granddaughter masterbating. She is highly nervous, afraid of loud noises, gets hysterical for no reason over simple things. She got bitten by a fire ant and since that episode, she just totally loses it if she even sees an ant on the ground. When she flushes the toilet, she flushes, covers her ears and hurries out of the room. She makes up songs about her butt, pretends like she is going to put something in her butt. She has trouble learning in school even though she is smart. She has been diagnosed with acute social anxiety disorder and is on an antidepressant. Is she exhibiting sexual abuse “symptoms” or am I just a worried grandparent?

Best answer:

Answer by starfire978
It’s is normal for a child to touch themselves even in their sleep. They learn very early on that touching there gives a “reward”. However the other things you describe has every alarm bell going off in my head. The bug thing is a common over reaction one bug bite means all bugs are dangerous. The bathroom behavior is a warning sign as well as acting like she’s going to put something in her bottom.
Depending on the lyrics a song about butts isn’t neccassarily a sign of abuse since kids that age find anything about that area hilarious.
Personally better safe then sorry and talk to her parents unless you suspect one of them or you are the primary caregiver. Consider consulting the school councellor or take her to her pediatrician and have a private conversation with him before an exam.

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