Sex Education to Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Children with intellectual disabilities have sexual fantasies, needs and feelings and they have the same right as others to a fulfilling sexual expression.

But unfortunately they are often stereotyped as being incapable of understanding sexual impulses and as having a ‘stronger-than-normal' and uncontrollable sex drive. It is believed they maintain a ‘childlike innocence' throughout life and that they do not need sex education. But the truth is; most of them do develop normal sexual needs and they can learn about their sexuality and learn how to follow social rules, which in turn means that they can be guided into rewarding and responsible intimate relationships.

However, many parents and care-givers are fearful and anxious about their child's sexuality and they may not be sure how to deal with it or educate them properly. There is also the increased risk of children with disabilities getting abused and perpetrated. Sometimes parents may also be ashamed of their child's inappropriate sexual behaviour in public and they may fear that a child with more sexual knowledge will be more likely to experiment with sex and hence get in trouble. But this is proven not to be the case.

Sex education to children with intellectual disabilities is highly important, because it tends to increase their social skills and it will teach them to adopt more acceptable expressions of sexuality. Furthermore, it will give them a greater sense of independence and they will be able to take greater responsibility for their sexuality. This in turn will reduce the risk of sexual abuse, unintended pregnancies, STI's and risk taking behaviour. And, last but not least, it will also teach them to be able to enjoy their sexuality in a socially appropriate way.

But how, when and where do we education children with intellectual disabilities about sex?

Sex education should be spread out over time and should begin before puberty, somewhere in the primary school years. It can be helpful to look out for times when your child expresses interest and curiosity in sex and remember that they will never be too young to learn the proper names for their genitals, which should be part of learning the names of other body parts.

It is important that the information gets tailored to your child's level of understanding. Just think of the way you have explained other things to your child, such as how to eat appropriately or how to greet others in socially accepted ways. The information should be provided as simple as possible; starting with the easier-to-understand facts and then, gradually over time, increase your child's knowledge as they grow older. Keeping it light and fun by using stories, role plays or other resources, such as visuals, pictures, books or videos, will be very useful.

As I always say:

Providing your child with Sex Education

Is just like any other Explanation

Do not let your embarrassment get in the way

And start your child's sex education today!