paraphilic infantilism

To date no broad-based scientific studies have been made on the cause, incidence and general impact of paraphilic infantilism on society at large.

Adult babies roleplaying as a baby or small child for erotic stimulation is considered the signature expression of paraphilic infantilism.

Individuals with paraphilic infantilism may only seek therapy for other issues, or be encouraged or coerced to seek treatment if discovered by others.

Whereas pedophilia refers to the sexual preference for children, paraphilic infantilism refers to the sexual interest in being a child.

Paraphilic infantilism, also known as autonepiophilia and adult baby syndrome can be a sexual fetish for some that involves role-playing a regression to an infant-like state.

Paraphilic infantilism has appeared as an alternative lifestyle in numerous Western countries including the United States, England, Germany and Australia.

Sexologist William B. Arndt considers paraphilic infantilism to combine forms of fetishism, tranvestism and masochism.

Infantilism or Paraphilic Infantilism is a paraphilia to desire to wear diapers and be treated like an infant, or more commonly, a toddler.

Sexologist John Money, in his book Lovemaps describes paraphilic infantilism as a possible "...adjunctive to masochistic discipline and humiliation."

Psychologist Wilhelm Stekel used "psychosexual infantilism" as a category similar to paraphilia, including paraphilic infantilism and other paraphilias and sexual orientations.

Diaper fetishes, diaper lovers (DLs), are often associated with paraphilic infantilism as both wear diapers, but the former does not role-play infant or childlike behavior, while that is the distinguishing characteristic of adult babies (ABs).