A Sexuality and Relationship Training Program for Women with Intellectual Disabilities: A Social Story Approach

Abstract

A multi-method study design involving three different phases was used to develop four social stories that could be used as part of a sexuality and relationship training program for women with intellectual disabilities. Phase 1 entailed a systematic review of the literature and results indicate that social stories provide a suitable methodology for teaching socially desirable responses related to sexuality and relationships. Phase 2 entailed a focus group with women with intellectual disabilities and results showed that they wanted more information about different types of relationships, including romantic relationships. They also wanted to understand what types of behaviour (e.g. different types of greetings) were appropriate for the different types of relationships.Next, four social stories were written based on the results of these two phases. Finally, these four social stories were implemented in Phase 3 with ten caregivers of women with intellectual disabilities in order to evaluate the appropriateness of the stories. Results showed that three of the four social stories were appropriate, and that one required re-writing as it was not appropriate for the specific context, as women at that facility did not have the opportunity to go on dates. A suggestion was made that the story be re-written to reflect romantic relationships as opposed to dating.

Intellectual disability rights and inclusive citizenship in South Africa: What can a scoping review tell us?

“…Female PWID are at increased risk of sexual abuse, that of teenagers with ID is common, and close relatives are implicated in most cases of sexual assaults against CWID (Bornman & Rathbone 2016 ; Calitz et al 2014 ; Meel 2009 ; Phasha 2009 , 2013 ). Perpetuating such rights violations are misconceptions that PWID have a high sex drive, possess unusual power and feel no pain, and that sex with PWID is an act of pity and can cure the perpetrator of disease (Phasha & Myaka 2014 ).…”

“…Given these increased vulnerabilities, it is unthinkable to exclude PWID from sexual education programmes (Yildiz & Cavkaytar 2017 ). Without access to sexual health education, PWID will continuously struggle to protect themselves against unwanted sex, pregnancy and transmittable infections (Bornman & Rathbone 2016 ; Meel 2009 ; Rohleder & Swartz 2009 ).…”

“…Dispelling harmful misconceptions about ID and sexuality might initiate services, policies and beliefs that are more supportive of significant relationships. People with mild and moderate ID can develop meaningful sexual relationships by learning about, and consenting to and maintaining healthy sexual behaviours (Bornman & Rathbone 2016 ; Kramers-Olen 2016 ; Phasha & Myaka 2014 ; Rohleder & Swartz 2009 ). Individuals with severe and profound ID will find it harder to negotiate consent around sexual practices.…”

Preventing Abuse and Providing Access to Justice for Individuals with Complex Communication Needs: The Role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication

“…These grievous misconceptions about sexuality have led to the first of the seven studies, and initiated the development of a sexuality and relationship training program for women with intellectual disabilities, using a social story approach 14 . Sexuality education is often un-acknowledged and therefore not taught in a proactive manner, which results in women with disability lacking the necessary skills to make well-informed decisions regarding sexuality 3 .…”

“…Sexuality education is often un-acknowledged and therefore not taught in a proactive manner, which results in women with disability lacking the necessary skills to make well-informed decisions regarding sexuality 3 . Study 1 adopted a multi-method study design involving three different phases to develop four social stories that could be used as part of a sexuality and relationship training program for women with intellectual disabilities 14 . Phase 1 entailed a systematic search of the available literature on the use of social stories as an intervention tool to modify or decrease inappropriate social behavior related to sexuality and relationships in individuals with disability.…”