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Question:
Hi, I am a graduate occupational therapy sutdent and I am giving a 2 hour presentation to classmates about sexuality and disability. I would like to include issues of sexuality with variuos populations such as MR and those with cognitive impairments as well as physical disabilities. Can you advise me on reference materials that I could find at the library? Also, I am very interested in how to educate myself as a professional in order to effectively advise clients about sex issues. I think this is oftn ignored in healthcare. Thanks.
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Answer:
by Susan Ludwig: ()
Thank you for writing to Sexualhealth.com. It is gratifying to see that other professional disciplines are thinking about ways to address the issues around sexual health and people who live with developmental disability.
As for reading materials, there is a bibliography attached to this website -- there are lots of good resources there. I look for several types of books about sexuality for this population. One type consists of books that talk about sex and sexuality in an 'encyclopedia' type of format. You know what I mean -- books that talk about the anatomy of sex and of sexual development. Look for books that have simple text, are age appropriate and have illustrations. It is important that clients have access to accurate information, that they have an opportunity to gather appropriate and understandable vocabulary, and that they learn that sexual body parts are "normal" as are the feelings associated with them.
In addition, there needs to be some information about general care of reproductive body parts -- both from the point of view of their hygiene as well as their health care. (Regular Pap smears and testicular self examination)
A second category of book for clients is a type of book that offers information about sexual development in a social context. These books are referred to as "high interest/low vocabulary" books. They might be found at a local library -- and themes include things like "having your first crush" or "learning that your best friend is gay." They are in novel format -- are short and easy to read. Their importance is that it helps young people to realize that their feelings are normal and are to be expected at their age. (I would recommend these books only for teens and people in their early 20's however -- because of the age appropriate rubric.)
A third type of book I recommend is a book that gives you information about sexual body parts, sexual activity, fantasies and other related topics. There is a lot of information out there -- and it is important that you have a background for your own information. This will help to develop a sense of your own self confidence related to the subject -- and my experience is that I need do not need to call on that detailed background information very often.
Finally, there are more and more books out there by authors who write about their experiences with clients living with developmental disability and who are working with them to develop healthy relationships. It is important to read these so you feel like you have a network of support in your work.
Finally, there are three things that you need in order to be successful in a sexuality education program for people who have special needs. First is "networking." Second is "networking." And last is -- you guessed it -- "NETWORKING." Isolation is our enemy -- and studies have shown that agencies who have successful sexuality education programs also have a good networking system to support those workers who are facilitating the programs.
We hope that you consider Sexualhealth.com a source of information and support -- and hope that you gather a good network in addition to our experts who can encourage you in your work!Reviewed by: Patricia Fawver Ph.D. in Sexology
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