Support and education for healthy sexual expression in people with developmental disability

General practitioners have a role in providing anticipatory guidance and in supporting people with development disability to express their sexuality in safe and healthy ways. Take into account the specific needs of the person and consider what support and counselling would be provided if they didn’t have a disability. Communicate using plain language, augmented by pictures, objects or symbols as required (see Communicating with people with developmental disability).

Consider the capacity of a person with developmental disability for decision making, including consent; see here. People with developmental disability are vulnerable to sexual abuse—for advice on recognising, asking about and reporting suspected abuse, see Abuse, trauma and supporting people with developmental disability.

Screen people with developmental disability for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) according to Australian guidelines, when possible.

Education on sexual expression in people with development disability should include:

  • the right to be sexually active and responsibilities associated with it
  • protective behaviour strategies, such as teaching a person about
    • their body parts and privacy
    • how to sense their feelings
    • knowing when they don’t feel safe, and how to talk about it with someone they trust
    • how to say ‘no’
  • safe sex practices (eg safe touching, using condoms to avoid STIs)
  • masturbation
  • contraception
    • for discussion of contraception in females, see Menstrual management and contraception
    • clear explanations for boys and men about the correct use of condoms, and assessment of their understanding
  • sexual orientation
  • gender identity.
For resources on sexuality and sex education for people with development disability, see Resources on sexuality and sex education for people with developmental disability. Consider referral to a sexuality educator or counsellor. Explore whether accessing a disability trained sex worker would be appropriate—for information, see The Touching Base website.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funds a range of therapeutic supports including education about sexuality. The NDIS also has funding categories for social activities—consider referral if countering loneliness is part of the person’s support needs.

Support for people with developmental disability who wish to become parents is discussed in Family planning and parenting.