Usability, Usefulness, and Desirability of Learning Activities for Sexual Health Education for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Menstrual education programs for girls and young women with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A systematic review

“…Participants in their study found the puberty and adolescent development visuals to be child-like and not useful for learning. The participants suggested more anatomically-correct visuals for improved learning (Schmidt et al, 2021). Perhaps having a more comprehensive understanding the individuals' cognitive abilities would help to inform the appropriateness of using a doll for modelling and practice.…”

“…Using a doll with a participant who is 10 or 12 years of age may be appropriate, however when a participant nears the age of adulthood, is the use of a doll still appropriate? Schmidt et al (2021) interviewed young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities about the usefulness, usability, and desirability of learning activities for sexual health topics. Participants in their study found the puberty and adolescent development visuals to be child‐like and not useful for learning.…”

“…A question that arises when considering menstrual health education for females with intellectual and developmental disabilities is whether the information used is developmentally appropriate and effective. Answering this question is difficult given obscurities in what and how developmentally appropriate education is developed and delivered (Schmidt et al, 2021). A review conducted by Wilbur et al (2019) found that a common barrier faced by women with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their carers was a lack of menstruation training, information, and support in menstruation management.…”