The Facts of Life....and More: Sexuality and Intimacy for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Making good decisions about sexuality is a critical part of adulthood, but sometimes people with intellectual disabilities don't get the support or education they need to navigate this complex aspect of life.Professionals will change that with this urgently needed book, which gives social workers, teachers, and direct support professionals the comprehensive information they need to educate people with disabilities about sexuality and help them make the best possible choices across the lifespan.Blending in-depth examination of legal and clinical issues with sensitive discussion of the emotional side of sexuality, expert contributors from diverse fields help readersdeliver meaningful, individualized, and culturally sensitive sexuality educationunderstand parents' perspectives—and help them provide appropriate information and support to their child throughout lifeassist people with disabilities in managing risks associated with sexual activityuse behavior interventions to encourage appropriate sexual expressionhelp people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender validate their feelings and counter negative messagesaddress issues related to medical care and intervention for people with disabilitiesGoing beyond the facts of life, this book gives professionals candid interviews and personal anecdotes that show how real-life couples with disabilities handle the joys and challenges of their relationships—courtship, sex, parenthood, disagreements, finances, and more.Readers will also get examples of effective sexuality education techniques and vivid case studies that illustrate key points. With this frank, thorough, and highly readable guide, professionals will better advocate for people with disabilities and help them reap the social and emotional benefits of healthy, responsible, age-appropriate sexuality. Read more