Loneliness and frustration may driveĪn individual to accept any form of individual attention whether it be negative or positive ( Schor, 1987).
The mentally disabled individual is vulnerable to sexual maltreatment for several reasons: isolation communication deficits small peer group Īnd limited mutual support services ( Schor, 1987). Rape or incest had occurred in 33% of mildly disabled subjects and 25% of moderately disabled subjects ( Schor, 1987 Ĭhamberlain et al, 1984). Schor's review of 87 non-institutionalized mentally disabled individuals indicated that 50% of mildly disabled subjects had had sexualĬhamberlain et al, 1984). Mentally disabled women demonstrated pelvic exam findings deemed consistent with prior vaginal penetration ( Elvik et al,1987). Numerous experts in physical and sexual abuse acknowledge that the mentally disabled individual is particularly vulnerable to sexual exploitationĪnd abuse ( Schwab 1992). Individuals with Down syndrome than those in the general population ( Myers and Pueschel, 1991) reports demonstrate the general population incidence to be 100% in males and 25% in females by the age of 15 ( Ertem and Leventhal, 1995). Rates of masturbation are not significantly higher in The incidence of masturbation in individuals with Down syndrome has been reported as 40% in males and as 52% in females (Rogers and Coleman,ġ992 Pueschel, 1986). In some severely mentally disabled individuals, it may also appear as a form of self-injurious behavior ( Van Dyke et al., 1995). It may also provide self-gratification it may or may not prelude sexual intercourse ( Monat-Haller, 1992). Masturbation, a rhythmic self-stimulation of the genital area, is a healthy and normal part of self-discovery ( Haka-Ikse and Mian, 1993). The emergence of sexual behavior in the individual with Down syndrome alarms some parents and caretakers who may rightly fear that theirĬhild's cognitive deficit makes him or her especially vulnerable: to unwanted pregnancy, sexual exploitation and abuse, and to sexually The development of a secure sexual identity is a difficult task even in the absence of a physical or mental disability ( Grant, 1995). Societal denial of sexuality in people with disabilities ( Edwards, 1988). Historically common sex-segregated living arrangements in now-defunct institutions and the absence of available social outlets point to a Individuals with Down syndrome and other mental disabilities who engage in sexualīehaviors, however, may encounter societal prejudice as well as significant parental anxiety ( Van Dyke et al., 1995). Review of developmentally appropriate sexual issues should be part of the medical and psychological evaluation of all individuals with DownĪll individuals, regardless of disability, are sexual beings. Place in these areas, we can expect some of them to assume the sexual roles that the general population takes for granted: lover, spouse, parent ( Van Dyke et al., 1995). As individuals with Down syndrome take their An active life, including participation in work, social, and worship environments, is now possible. Individuals with Down syndrome ( Van Dyke et al, 1995). Improved medical care, lawsĮnsuring appropriate education and related services for the disabled, and slow changes in societal attitudes have brightened the outlook for There have been major advances in interdisciplinary and preventive medical management of individuals with Down syndrome. Little has been written about psychosexual development in Down syndrome.ĭevelopmental issues in sexuality. Personal safety and self-esteem become important issues for adolescentsĪnd young adults ( Haka-Ikse and Mian, 1993). Well as the beginning of masturbation ( Haka- Ikse and Mian, 1993 Grant, 1995).
Physical and emotional attachment to parents and other family members issues for school aged children are the emergence of modesty and privacy as Sexual tasks for infants and pre-school aged children include the development of Issues of sexuality accompany each stage of human development. (1995) Issues of sexuality in Down syndrome.ĭown Syndrome Research and Practice, 3(2), 65-69. Van Dyke, D, McBrien, D, and Sherbondy, A. Sex education tailored to cognitive level, learning style,Īnd living arrangements is essential to the education of children and young adults with Down syndrome. Population to unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and sexual exploitation. Cognitive and language disabilities may predispose this They have the right to routine reproductive health care provided to the general population. Don Van Dyke, Dianne McBrien, and Andrea SherbondyĪs human beings, individuals with Down syndrome have the right to emotionally satisfying and culturally appropriate sexual expression.