(SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES)

INTRODUCTION

All disabled people have the same biological means and needs. Persons with disabilities are living longer nowadays and are choosing to wed or become sexually involved. Teaching them sexual awareness from the young age can help them elude many pitfalls later and also for their personal safety.

It is commonly said that children with disabilities are asexual, meaning they have no sexual capabilities or urges. Such a myth is highly dangerous for these children with disabilities and they are more prone to sexual abuse as well as developing inappropriate sexual behaviour.

They don’t understand sexuality and abuse. Hence, they are less able to recognize or report abusive situations and can easily manipulated by others. They also might think that such behaviour or helping for their daily needs like bathing, dressing and mobility is appropriate. So, the children and adolescents with disabilities have a genuine need to learn about sexuality.

WHEN TO START/START YOUNG

It is never too early to start sex education especially towards children with disabilities. The answer is “as early as possible”. Make it age appropriate by starting with explanations on how to take care of their hygiene.

You can explain to them in simple language on why and what you do to clean them up after diaper-soaks or bowel movements and also during a bath or shower. Then, make them aware that others aren’t allowed to do the same unless these people are specifically given permission to do so. This is critical when there are other caregivers involved such as maids, siblings or nursery staff.

Discuss what makes them uncomfortable and inform your child it is okay to say “No” or “I don’t like you touching me like that” and empower them to do so.

FACT

This article hopefully can give understandings about sexuality and personal safety. Goals of comprehensive sexuality education are to:

1. Provide information such as understanding the differences between sexuality and sex. Sex is a small part of sexuality.

2. Develop values (family, religion, cultural values).

3. Develop interpersonal skills.

4. Develop responsibility for their bodies and actions.

5. Know how and when to seek help.

Human sexuality encompasses:

• Sexual knowledge

• Beliefs, attitudes and values

• Behavior. It deals with the anatomy, physiology and biochemistry of sexual response system. Sex is the act and a small part of sexuality.

Tips for talking about sexuality:

1. Break topics into smaller subtopics for easier understanding

2. Start with basics (ask them what they know)

3. Be concrete (use visual cues & give examples)

4. Be repetitive and cumulative

5. Modify for specific disabilities. Focus on individual not on disability

6. Be clear, use both medical and simple terms but emphasis the need to use the correct medical term

7. Comfortable with the topic, it is significant to convey positive message about sexuality to build self-esteem

8. Ability to respond effectively to inappropriate behaviour, give a non-emotional response

9. Be non-judgmental

10. Understand dynamics of child sexual abuse

GUIDE AGE-APPROPRIATE SEXUAL EDUCATION

The contents should be taught in a few sessions. Parents or care providers must consistently “teach” using every available teaching moment. Our attitudes must relate to our culture, ethnicity, personality, upbringing, family values, religion and past experiences.  The outline of what have to be taught are as the followings: