Sexual Health
“Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.” —World Health Organization definition.
Experiencing a disability (intellectual, physical, or developmental) does not, by itself, validate any loss of rights related to sexuality and sexual health. Important topics health providers need to address include: educating patients about reproduction, birth control options, abstinence, safe sexual practices, sexual orientation, sexual abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Check out these video trainings, tools, and links to support sexual health.
Experiencing a disability (intellectual, physical, or developmental) does not, by itself, validate any loss of rights related to sexuality and sexual health. Important topics health providers need to address include: educating patients about reproduction, birth control options, abstinence, safe sexual practices, sexual orientation, sexual abuse, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Check out these video trainings, tools, and links to support sexual health.
Video Training
Overview of the sexual development and related issues for individuals with developmental disabilities across the lifespan (30 min).
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The Friendships & Dating Program teaches teens and adults, 16 years old and older, with IDD how to develop and maintain healthy relationships and prevent interpersonal violence.
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Tools
Excellent booklets from Vanderbilt for parents of children with IDD who are entering puberty.
These guides for parents and educators are designed for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Visit the Florida Center for Inclusive Communities for Spanish versions of these booklets.
Links
- Physician algorithm for contraceptive decision making for women with IDD
- Joint position statement on Sexuality and IDD by Arc and AAIDD
- Website for parents of children with IDD on sexuality topics
- Promoting Sexuality Across the Lifespan with Individuals with IDD (Ailey et al., 2003)
- Wyoming Institute for Disabilities- Sexual and Reproductive Health Resources
- Illinois Institute on Disability and Human Development - Sexuality and Disability Consortium