Sexuality in Adolescents with Intellectual disability: Felt Needs of Parents

Abstract

Introduction: Felt needs of primary caregivers of adolescents with intellectual disabilities (AWID) with regard to sexuality issues has been an under researched area. The present study aimed to develop scientific knowledge in this area. This study gave a better insight into the less spoken area of sexuality among adolescents with intellectual disability, especially in the Indian context. Methodology: An exploratory design was adopted for this study which involved analysing the review of the literature, 20 unstructured interviews, 35 structured individual interviews, 10 key person interviews and 4 focus group discussions with 16 participants. Result: The specific concerns of parents with regard to educating sexuality issues to their Intellectually Disabled adolescents were identified. Conclusion: The findings emphasised the need for adequate knowledge attitude and practice among the parents in order to deal with the sexuality issues of adolescents with intellectual disability. This also laid the base for developing suitable tools and intervention program for this population. Keywords: Adolescents, sexuality, intellectual disability, needs, parents