Sex education for children with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Sexual health is an essential part of general health and well-being. Research has shown that children with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder, need more thorough sex education than their neurotypical peers. This pilot study evaluated a new sex educational material designed specifically for children with developmental disabilities. Participants included twelve 11-14 year-old children recruited from schools with special education departments in Reykjavik. The sex education intervention comprised approximately 24 sessions spread over 12 weeks and was administered by each participant’s homeroom teacher. A non-concurrent multiple baseline design was used in this study. Two baseline assessments in which knowledge of sexology was measured were conducted prior to the intervention, followed by an assessment one week after the intervention. No significant differences in knowledge of sexology were observed between the first and second baseline assessments. However, a significant increased understanding of sexology was observed after the intervention compared to the first baseline assessment. Teachers participating in the study valued the material as beneficial for them and their students. The current study supports previous literature, showing that children with developmental disabilities need more specific sex education material than what is currently used in public schools.Keywords; Sex education, developmental disabilities, puberty, sexuality.