Before sex education: An evaluation of the sexual knowledge, experience, feelings and needs of people with mild intellectual disabilities

The collection of systematic data in the area of sexuality among people with intellectual disabilities has largely been ignored. This paper is concerned with evaluating the data that are available on the sexual knowledge, experience, feelings or needs of these people. The area of sexuality has assumed increased importance with the current emphasis on the relocation of people with intellectual disabilities into the community. If this transition is to enhance the quality of life of these people, there is a need for them to be informed on sexual and relationship issues. The data suggest that in fact they have very limited sexual knowledge and experience. Further, most current sex education programs focus on isolated aspects of sexuality, and these are generally areas which are seen to present potential problems in people's lives. There is an urgent need to obtain accurate information on the sexuality of people with intellectual disabilities across a broad range of areas. From this base it will then be possible to develop sex education programs which will address the needs of this population. The implementation of these programs will increase the chances of sexuality becoming a positive aspect of life, rather than being perceived as a problem.