Page 5 - YOUTH DIGEST
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Those with intellectual disabilities are
more at risk of sexual abuse than others
in society and for this reason, it is
important to adopt a multidisciplinary
team (doctor, nurse, midwife,
psychologist and social services specialist
e.g.) approach towards the sexual health
of the intellectually disabled. The most
accurate information sharing about sex
depends on good communication
between families, schools and individuals,
and by receiving professional support
when needed. This review emphasizes the
Summary importance of sexual education for
children with intellectual disabilities and
Sexual identity is an individual being aware the role of nurses in sexual education.
of his/her sexuality and acting in a manner
appropriate to it. With or without Introduction
intellectual disability, every individual is
born with his/her gender. For centuries, it Sexuality is not only a need, but also
was thought that individuals with an instinct that is frequently
intellectual disabilities were inhuman, unavoidable. Since the beginning,
asexual, or childish, or that they were over individuals have tried to govern their
fond of sex and that they could not control sexuality both to control their
their sexuality. However, these individuals reproduction and to enrich their lives.
were perceived as such because they did Regardless of having any
not know where, when and in which intellectual disabilities, every individual is
situations sexual behaviors were born with his/her sex. Sexual identity is
appropriate. In other words, they could not being cognizant of an individual’s own
control their sexual behaviors. Just like sexuality and showing appropriate
healthy individuals, those with intellectual attitudes to it. Sexuality
disabilities also have sexual needs and is a fundamental need and an
desires. Sex education starts at birth. It inseparable part of the personality
continues until reaching adulthood or of every individual, regardless of being
beyond. Parents are the best guides for all female, male or child. The sexual
children, either those with intellectual development of a child is a natural part
disability or not. The most accurate of his/her general development It is a
information about sex, which is an issue multifaceted process that is closely
associated with basic human needs such
when there are conflicting messages from
different sources, should be first provided as being loved and accepted, feeling love
for others and showing his/her love,
by parents. There is no suitable model of feeling desired and attractive, sharing
sex education for all children with his/her emotions and thoughts. It
intellectual disabilities and information includes not only anatomical and
should be appropriate to the child’s level of physiological process, but also sexual
understanding
knowledge, beliefs, attitudes and values.
5 | YOUTH DIGEST
