Review of Sociosexuality Curricular Content for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

Human sexuality encompasses aspects of physiology and emotions. The need for sociosexuality education for individuals with developmental disabilities (DD) is widely acknowledged; yet, there is little known about what topics of sexuality are presented. This review identified curricular content used in comprehensive, commercially available sexuality curriculum for individuals with DD. Results indicated that biological aspects such as anatomy and physiology were taught in all the curriculums; however, issues related to culture and society were less frequently present. The need for specific sexuality content is discussed as well as future implications.

Sexual Experiences and Perspectives of Adolescents and Young Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

“…In fact, AYA with intellectual or developmental disabilities are less likely to receive both formal and informal SRH education, as compared with their peers (Barger et al, 2009; Barnard-Brak et al, 2014); they are also less likely to talk with their parents about sexual health topics (Pownall et al, 2012). Even for AYA with intellectual or developmental disabilities who do receive SRH education, many students missed out on important information such as abuse, gender identity, sexual dysfunction, social media, consent, and other cultural issues (Wolfe et al, 2019).…”

Sexual health and education guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida

“…Additionally, there is little data regarding how socio-cultural factors influence which types of resources are desired and how they would be best presented. Therefore, the working group recommends future efforts focus on the creation of resources that are readily accessible to those who desire them [ 53 ].…”

“…All individuals, regardless of the presence of disabilities, can benefit from sex and relationship education that supports awareness of developing trusting, nurturing and respectful relationships. Strategies to encourage self-acceptance and autonomy are particularly relevant for people with disabilities [ 53 ]. Sexual education should be more than the ‘birds and the bees’ and should include education around relationship seeking, building and maintaining relationships, desire, communication, self-satisfaction, and sexual practices (including the fluidity of sexual expression and masturbation) [ 53 ].…”

“…Strategies to encourage self-acceptance and autonomy are particularly relevant for people with disabilities [ 53 ]. Sexual education should be more than the ‘birds and the bees’ and should include education around relationship seeking, building and maintaining relationships, desire, communication, self-satisfaction, and sexual practices (including the fluidity of sexual expression and masturbation) [ 53 ]. Further, a multidisciplinary team with expertise in sexual functioning with a disability may provide individualized assessments and recommendations [ 54 ].…”

Reproductive (In)Justice and Inequality in the Lives of Women with Intellectual Disabilities in Scotland

“…It is clear from the growing literature on disabled women that better relationship, sexual health and parenthood education (RSHP) is needed (Wolfe et al 2019). At the very least, education on consent (Sullivan et al 2013), relationships (Yau et al 2009), and safety (Kijak 2013) have been highlighted (Brown & McCann 2018) to fulfil wide-held ambitions among adults with intellectual disabilities for passionate, intimate, and romantic relationships (Wheeler 2007).…”