| Resources for Parents of Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
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Parents are, or should be, their children’s primary sex educators, but many parents are afraid to talk to their children (disabled or not) about sex. Parents often fear that: 1) talking about sex will encourage sexual experimentation; 2) they (the parents) don’t know enough to handle questions appropriately; and 3) their children already know too much or too little. In addition, parents of children who are living with disabilities may feel that their children are potential targets for sexual abuse or exploitation. Or the parents may fear that their children may be unable to appropriately express their sexual feelings. In short, parents often fear that talking about sex may cause problems. But, parents need to assist any child—regardless of her/his abilities—to develop life skills. For example, without appropriate social skills, young people may have difficulty making and keeping friends and feel lonely and ‘different’. Without important sexual health knowledge, young people may make unwise decisions and/or take sexual health risks. Read on for a list of resources for providing young people with important information and skills.
Recommended Books Sexuality and Women With Learning Disabilities Sexuality: Your Sons and Daughters With Intellectual Disabilities The Facts of Life...and More Just Say Know!: Understanding and Reducing the Risk of Sexual Victimization of People with Developmental Disabilities |