Family planning and parenting

People with developmental disability who wish to become parents can benefit from appropriate information and support. Some developmental disability syndromes (eg Down syndrome) may affect fertility and present risks to the fetus. Women with intellectual disability have an increased risk of adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, and should be referred to specialist obstetric services when planning a pregnancy. See also Genetic testing for developmental disability.

Consider the capacity of a person with developmental disability for decision making, including consent to a sexual relationship; see here. The vulnerability of this group to sexual abuse is also an important consideration. For advice on recognising, asking about and reporting suspected abuse, see Abuse, trauma and supporting people with developmental disability.

For advice on safe sex and contraception, see Support and education for healthy sexual expression in people with developmental disability and Menstrual management and contraception in females with developmental disability.

The Parenting Research Centre has a fact sheet on Best Practice in Family Support and other resources that are intended to help professionals support parents with learning difficulties.

If the person with developmental disability receives National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) support, their support plan should be revised once they become pregnant, to ensure the person’s parenting role is taken into consideration.