This session focuses on the phenomenon of sexuality and how it transfers to individuals with intellectual disability (ID). The presenters will provide information on contemporary scholarly work identifying what healthy sexuality is, as well as provide information on the perceptions of caregivers and educators towards the sexuality of these individuals. This involves the notion of common prejudices and stereotypes that are rooted in a problem-based perspective and how these points of view affect individuals’ identity, self-esteem, and general well-being. Those attending will gain knowledge on sexuality issues for people with ID, especially knowing that even though American School Health Association (2003) posited that students with disabilities need to have “developmentally appropriate, quality, comprehensive, medically accurate and skills-based sexuality education in grades K–12” (p. 1) only 53-56% of individuals with ID were included in some form of sex education. Research that focuses on the connection between recreational therapy and sexuality is limited and the guidelines for RT professionals when addressing the topics of the sexuality of people with ID, are yet to be explored and identified. This session will address the unpreparedness reported by most educators while tackling this topic as well as increase knowledge on how to address limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior of people with ID when encountered with topics such as sex, gender identities, and roles, sexual orientation, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction.
Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:
1. Identify the common misconceptions regarding the sexuality of individuals with ID
2. Articulate the significance of socializing agents and the support networks within ecological systems as one of the most important elements to healthy sexual maturation of individuals with ID
3. Identify the importance of sexual education for individuals with ID 4. Identify 3 RT clinical outcomes associated with sexual health and ID
