What is it about?

There is a growing and evolving research evidence base regarding sexuality issues and adults with intellectual disabilities. However, the experiences and views of families and direct care support workers and their support and development needs in the topic area are unclear. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the views and experiences of families and direct care support workers in relation to the expression of sexuality by adults with intellectual disabilities and to identify their distinct support and development needs.

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Why is it important?

Families and direct care support workers have specific support and education needs. Future healthcare initiatives need to be developed that are fully responsive to the identified concerns and requirements of families and direct care support workers.

Perspectives

It is apparent from this review that families and direct care support workers have specific concerns regarding the expression of sexuality by adults with ID. They also have distinct support and education needs that need to be recognised and met. Developing evidence-based programmes that enhance the understanding of the relationship needs, hopes and aspirations of adults with ID is an area that requires attention. This can only be achieved if undertaken with people with ID at the centre of such endeavours.

Dr Edward McCann
City, University of London

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: The views and experiences of families and direct care support workers regarding the expression of sexuality by adults with intellectual disabilities: A narrative review of the international research evidence, Research in Developmental Disabilities, July 2019, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2019.04.012.
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