Sexuality Education for Persons with Developmental Disabilities: 
A Toolkit and Resource Guide for Parents and Professionals

Providing sexuality education for persons with developmental disabilities is as important as ever, yet is still an often-overlooked need. In a world where so much has changed, where access to information is greater than ever, there are still many barriers for persons with developmental disabilities. Between the dearth of materials designed to accommodate a variety of learning needs to the lack of opportunity to learn about sexuality, persons with a developmental disability may find themselves without the information or skills to develop meaningful relationships, navigate the minefield of adolescence or protect themselves from abuse. Sexuality is one way a person with a developmental disability is just like everyone else, and the need for information is just as great, if not greater for this population.

Here's a great place to start:
Puberty

Puberty is a universal experience for teens and pre-teens worldwide, and it can be empowering for a young person with a developmental disability to know that everyone goes through many of the same physical and emotional changes they are experiencing. For many adolescents, getting straightforward information about what is going on with their bodies and emotions can help them manage this sometimes turbulent time of life! And if this is the first time a student is being exposed to sexuality education, it can serve as a strong foundation for further education around responsible sexual behavior, relationships, and safety (i.e., avoiding abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and/or unplanned pregnancies.)

For More Information:

Planned Parenthood  offers many other helpful resources such as books, videos and teaching kits.  
Have questions?  Call our Education Department in New Haven at 203-865-5158.