ERIC Number: EJ1188813
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1469-9532
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Transition Staff Discuss Sex Education and Support for Young Men and Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disability
Wilson, Nathan J.; Frawley, Patsie
Journal of Intellectual & Developmental Disability, v41 n3 p209-221 2016
Background: Young people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) get information, education, and support about social and sexual relationships from different sources. Staff are often involved in providing this education and support. We explored if and how this support is offered to young people transitioning to adulthood. Methods: Focus groups were conducted with 17 staff from 3 transition services to illicit information about their experiences providing this education and support. Findings: A key theme was that staff are "reluctant counsellors." Although staff provided social and sexual education, they reported being underprepared and relied primarily on their own values as guidance. They did this in full recognition that transition services filled a social gap for participants, blurring the lines between education and social support. Conclusion: Further research is needed to inform sexuality and relationship policy and practice during transition to adulthood, as this is a key learning and developmental time for young adults with IDD.
Descriptors: Intellectual Disability, Developmental Disabilities, Caregiver Attitudes, Sex Education, Competence, Sexuality, Interpersonal Competence, Family Attitudes, Gender Differences, Transitional Programs, Foreign Countries, Young Adults
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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