Perceptions About Sexual Development in Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Introduction: Individuals with an intellectual disability (ID) are often viewed as asexual or uninterested in sex. This perspective creates a barrier to the sexual development of individuals with ID. Furthermore, sexuality is an essential component of our identity as human beings. Harmful stereotypes and lack of opportunity for sexual exploration leave a population of individuals with ID without the prospect of equitable development in this key experience. The aim of this work is to explore the perceptions of staff on the potential sexual development of clients with ID. It is our belief that oftentimes assumptions made about the potential of individuals with ID to engage in sexual development may be limiting. Methods: This work uses interview data to examine the perspectives of seven staff at a post-secondary service provider as to their understandings of the sexual development needs of clients with intellectual disability (ID). Staff participants are asked a series of questions designed to explore their perceptions of the sexual development needs of clients with ID. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to explore the data and ascribe meaning to the stories presented by the participants. Data for this project were collected in 2022. Results: The staff interviewed for this project reflect a perspective that all clients have the right to develop as sexual individuals. However, staff responses also reflect societal assumptions and stereotypes that reject the notion that clients with ID have the capacity to enter meaningful interpersonal relationships. Conclusions: To allow individuals with ID to participate fully in sexuality expression and experiences, societal stereotypes around sexuality must be addressed. Efforts must focus on allowing access and providing support for personal development in sexuality development for individuals with ID. Policy Implications: Policy around the education and support services for individuals with ID should reflect the acceptance that all individuals have the right to develop as sexual people.