Support a person with down syndrome in relationships & sex education with person‑centred resources, communication strategies, and family guidance. Historically, sex and dating among people with down syndrome hasn’t even been formally studied “we don’t have data on sexual activity,” says terri couwenhoven—an author and sex educator. Issues of sexuality in down syndrome don van dyke, dianne mcbrien, and andrea sherbondy as human beings, individuals with down syndrome have the right to emotionally satisfying and culturally appropriate sexual expression As patients, they have the right to routine reproductive health care provided to the general population. The sexuality of individuals with down syndrome is distinguished by its uniqueness and is often perceived as lacking understanding
Each family may have different perceptions on this issue, which can lead to divergent ideas or even speculations about how individuals with intellectual disabilities understand sexuality. Relationships + sexuality it is commonly thought that sexuality is not a concern for people with down syndrome People with down syndrome and other developmental disabilities are often assumed to be uninterested in sex and sexuality, to , and that their interests should match their cognitive age or abilities, not their biological age. But people with down syndrome have the same emotional and physical needs as anybody else, the same right to an independent love and sexual life and the same need to receive clear and accessible information to support them to enjoy sex in a healthy and responsible way.
OPEN
