The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner in educating teens with mental retardation about sex

Smith, Kathryn; Wheeler, Barbara Y.; Pilecki, Paula; Parker, Tracee

doi:10.1016/s0891-5245(05)80003-3

Cited by 6 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Reproductive health is often addressed regarding a patient's fertility or to identify forms of appropriate contraception. Contraception options may be limited due to patient's dexterity, ability to remember when contraception is needed, or by other medications as a hormonal birth control's efficacy could be impacted by certain drugs (Greenwood and Wilkinson 2013;Smith et al 1995). Sex abuse prevention is often a concern of parents and primary caregivers (Pownall et al 2012;Pueschel and Scola 1988).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex Education and Intellectual Disability: Practices and Insight from Pediatric Genetic Counselors

Murphy

Lincoln

Meredith

et al. 2015

Journal of Genetic Counseling

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Intellectual disability (ID) with or without other anomalies is a common referral for genetic counseling. Sessions may include discussions of reproductive implications and other issues related to sex education. Patients with ID regularly meet barriers when trying to obtain sex education due to the misperceptions of others as being either asexual or that such education would promote inappropriate sexual behavior. In this pilot study, we surveyed genetic counselors to explore their experiences with being asked to provide sex education counseling and their comfort in doing so for patients with ID ages 9-17. Results were analyzed from 38 respondents. Caregivers and patients most frequently requested information on puberty, sex abuse prevention, and reproductive health. Genetic counselors were most comfortable when they could provide sex education counseling within the context of a particular condition or constellation of features. They were least comfortable when they lacked familiarity with the patient, caregiver, or the family's culture. The most frequently cited barriers that prevented genetic counselors from providing sex education counseling were lack of time, lack of training, the patient's ID being too profound, and a belief that genetic counselors should not be responsible for providing sex education counseling. While many respondents reported that providing sex education counseling is not considered within the scope of a genetic counselor's practice, they also noted that patients' families initiate discussions for which counselors should be prepared. Respondents indicated that resource guides specifically designed for use by genetic counselors would be beneficial to their practice. Genetic counselors have the opportunity to embrace the role of advocate and broach the issue of sexual health with caregivers and patients by directing them toward educational resources, if not providing sex education directly to effectively serve the needs of patients and caregivers.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex Education and Intellectual Disability: Practices and Insight from Pediatric Genetic Counselors

Murphy

Lincoln

Meredith

et al. 2015

Journal of Genetic Counseling

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“…[10] Therefore, inappropriate sexual behaviors observed in these individuals arise from lack of knowledge or being restricted as to the expression of their sexuality. [8] Moreover, compared to their peers with normal development, it is more difficult for intellectually disabled adolescents to acquire the right information about sexuality to provide competence for social interactions. Therefore, they are devoid of opportunity for expressing their social and sexual interests properly.…”

Section: Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities and Issues Of Sexmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[19] Some were concerned that sexual education might increase their child's sexual behaviors. [8] Others felt that there was no need to give their intellectually disabled children sexual education because they presumed that their children were asexual. [20] …”

Section: Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities and Issues Of Sexmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[7,8,41,42] A nurse's support includes offering genetic counseling for parents with children with intellectual disabilities, conducting studies on protecting and developing their health in the scope of early initiative programs for children with intellectual disabilities and making suggestions for legal regulations. [43] Moreover, the adoption of a multidisciplinary group (including doctor, nurse, midwife, psychologist, social service specialist etc.)…”

Section: Role Of Nurses In Sexual Education Of Individuals With Intelmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Their sexual urges, desires and fantasies are similar; however, their way of discovering and expressing feelings about sexuality is less acceptable for individuals with intellectual disabilities because of their dependence on others, restricted living conditions and limited social opportunities. [8] The fact that individuals with intellectual disabilities also have sexual rights is usually forgotten, and their needs for sexual knowledge, emotions and thoughts are neglected. [2] When it comes to sexual education, the names and functions of body parts and the mechanics of reproduction come to mind.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Sex Education and its Importance in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Güven¹,

Dalgıç²

2015

Psi Hem Derg

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SUMMARYSexual identity is an individual being aware of his/her sexuality and acting in a manner appropriate to it. With or without intellectual disability, every individual is born with his/her gender. For centuries, it was thought that individuals with intellectual disabilities were inhuman, asexual, or childish, or that they were over fond of sex and that they could not control their sexuality. However, these individuals were perceived as such because they did not know where, when and in which situations sexual behaviors were appropriate. In other words, they could not control their sexual behaviors. Just like healthy individuals, those with intellectual disabilities also have sexual needs and desires. Sex education starts at birth. It continues until reaching adulthood or beyond. Parents are the best guides for all children, either those with intellectual disability or not. The most accurate information about sex, which is an issue when there are conflicting messages from different sources, should be first provided by parents.There is no suitable model of sex education for all children with intellectual disabilities and information should be appropriate to the child's level of understanding. Those with intellectual disabilities are more at risk of sexual abuse than others in society and for this reason, it is important to adopt a multidisciplinary team (doctor, nurse, midwife, psychologist and social services specialist e.g.) approach towards the sexual health of the intellectually disabled. The most accurate information sharing about sex depends on good communication between families, schools and individuals, and by receiving professional support when needed. This review emphasizes the importance of sexual education for children with intellectual disabilities and the role of nurses in sexual education. Keywords

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Promoting sexuality across the life span for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Ailey

Marks

Crisp³

et al. 2003

Nursing Clinics of North America

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The role of the pediatric nurse practitioner in educating teens with mental retardation about sex

Cited by 6 publications

References 12 publications

Sex Education and Intellectual Disability: Practices and Insight from Pediatric Genetic Counselors

Sex Education and Intellectual Disability: Practices and Insight from Pediatric Genetic Counselors

Sex Education and its Importance in Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Promoting sexuality across the life span for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities

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