Accessible summary• For a long time, people tried to stop women with intellectual disabilities from knowing about sex and from having sex. • We talked to some women with intellectual disabilities to find out what they thought about sex. • Many of the women told us that they thought sex is bad and that they should not do it. • We want people to be able to help women with intellectual disabilities to feel confident to make choices about sex. SummaryThere is very little literature concerning how women with intellectual disabilities conceptualise their sexuality or develop a sexual identity. Semi-structured interview schedules were used to guide interviews with 10 women with intellectual disabilities. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Many of the women could not conceptualise themselves as sexual beings, and they tended to regard sex as a dirty and inappropriate activity for them. They generally believed that other people prohibited them from engaging in sexual activity. The women often considered themselves to be of little value, and the majority had no clear sense of identity. It is incumbent upon services to find the means to empower women with intellectual disabilities to acknowledge, welcome and take control of their own sexuality.

Background  Antipsychotics are the most frequently prescribed psychotropic medication for people with intellectual disabilities. Many people are prescribed this medication for ‘challenging behaviours’ without having had a formal diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder. Antipsychotics have been reported to have severe side‐effect profiles, which can hamper quality of life. Materials and Methods  Grounded theory qualitative methodology was employed to organize and analyse data from interviews conducted with eight adults with intellectual disabilities about their experiences of antipsychotic medication. Results  Respondents had little knowledge about their medication, beyond knowing their regime. Despite participants experiencing side effects, they were accepting of these effects. A ‘model of compliance’ was generated from the analysis. Conclusions  The prescription and administration of medication is another area where people with intellectual disabilities experience lack of control and disempowerment. ‘Services’ need to do more to include and inform people with intellectual disabilities about their medication.

Background  This study explores the relationship that the people with an intellectual disability have with their ‘learning disabled’ identity and the influence of intellectual disability services on this relationship. Methods  Information was collected using three methodologies: (1) audit of referrals to a community psychology service for people with intellectual disabilities; (2) service‐users focus group; (3) survey of the attitudes of intellectual disability service‐providers. Results  The results indicate that the conflict about an intellectually disabled identity may be an area of unmet need in services for people with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions  There is a need for careful consideration of the ways in which this identity is managed by service‐providers.

A minimally aversive cognitive-behavioural intervention was found to eliminate the inappropriate masturbation of an 11-year-old boy with mild learning disabilities. Intervention strategies included discussion and education surrounding appropriate masturbatory behaviour, imagery and distraction techniques and positive reinforcement via parental involvement. Improvements were maintained at one-month and 12-month follow-ups. The discussion focuses on a number of ethical issues raised by this intervention.

The sexuality and sexual behaviour of people with intellectual disabilities (IDs) is one of the most complex and unresolved issues faced by service providers. Despite much evidence suggesting the disproportionately high risks faced by men with IDs who have sex with men, no epidemiological research has been conducted on the prevalence of HIV within this population. Current thinking suggests that self‐help groups are efficacious in helping participants to develop positive sexual identities and to share information about safer sexual practices. The present study is a qualitative evaluation of a pilot support group for men with IDs who have sex with men. Themes relating to the formation of sexual identity and safety issues were extrapolated using content analysis from a transcript of the final group session. The implications for service delivery are discussed. The evaluation was conducted by a clinical psychologist external to the group and the members of the group.