As patients, they have the right to routine reproductive health care provided to the general population. Relationships + sexuality it is commonly thought that sexuality is not a concern for people with down syndrome People with down syndrome and other developmental disabilities are often assumed to be uninterested in sex and sexuality, to , and that their interests should match their cognitive age or abilities, not their biological age. Men and women with down syndrome have the same susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases as the rest of the population Use of condoms during sexual intercourse is the best known form of protection interpersonal relationships. People with down syndrome are often infantilised and perceived as forever children, and in many ways shielded from the experiences of adulthood, including sexuality
But people with down syndrome have the same emotional and physical needs as anybody else, the same right to an independent love and sexual life and the same need to receive clear and accessible information to support them to. Historically, sex and dating among people with down syndrome hasn't even been formally studied We don't have data on sexual activity, says terri couwenhoven—an author and sex educator. Support a person with down syndrome in relationships & sex education with person‑centred resources, communication strategies, and family guidance. Sex education, appropriate for the developmental level and intellectual attainment of individuals with down syndrome, helps in engendering healthy sexuality, preventing unwanted pregnancy and diseases and in alleviating other problems related to sexual function Do individuals with down syndrome have sexual feelings
It can be used to start a conversation between people with down syndrome and their families about relationships, sexuality, staying healthy, rights and consent. Access a list of resources on sexuality and sexuality education for people with down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.
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