Publication: LOVE WITHOUT LIMITS: ADDRESSING SEXUALITY WITH INDIVDUALS WITH IDD
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Date
2024-04-18
Journal Title
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Type
Poster
Abstract
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities have long been underserved in the area of sexuality, sexual education, and intimacy in health care. Individuals often are assumed to be at one of two extremes - asexual or hypersexual (Coulter, 2023). Concerns are often not addressed by healthcare providers due to discomfort, not being prioritized in treatment, and general lack of knowledge surrounding this population (Schmidt et al., 2021). As a result, many people with IDD feel inadequately educated regarding an important part of their identity and are at increased risk for negative sex and sexual health related outcomes (Coulter, 2023). The purpose of this study was to identify and explore both barriers and facilitators of sexual education and intimacy amongst people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in addition to exploring the perspective of occupational therapists, educators, and students surrounding comfort level and preparedness to provide services and support to this population.
This presentation will provide an overview of a mixed-methods study utilizing surveys to collect current student, educator, and practitioner perspectives. Surveys aimed to 1) explore the perspectives and opinions of students, educators, and practicing occupational therapists (OTs) and 2) identify barriers and facilitators within the profession in addressing sexuality among individuals with intellectual and developmental disability. Surveys utilized a Likert scale, multiple-choice questions, and open-ended questions and were sent nationwide. Descriptive statistics were used to examine frequency and percentages of participant responses and qualitative data was examined for themes. A review of findings includes mixed comfort levels in the OT practitioner population, and higher levels of comfort in the student population. Both populations agreed on resources and the need for a structured curriculum to address sexuality in the IDD population.
Coulter, D., Lynch, C., & Joosten, A. V. (2023). 'Exploring the perspectives of young adults with developmental disabilities about sexuality and sexual health education'. Australian occupational therapy journal, 70(3), 380–391. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.12862
Schmidt, E. K., Beining, A., Hand, B. N., Havercamp, S. M., & Darragh, A. (2021). Healthcare providers’ role in providing sexual and reproductive health information to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A qualitative study. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 35(4), 1019–1027. https://doi.org/10.1111/jar.12861