Sexuality and sexual health education in children with disabilities

Sexuality is a core aspect of being human involving various physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects. Children with disabilities are sexual beings too. They experience sexual development and changes as they grow and have sexual feelings, desires and needs just like their non-disabled peers. Unfortunately, their sexuality is often not accepted or addressed, because of which many do not receive sexual health education either at home or in school. They lack the knowledge required to develop a healthy sexual identity, thereby increasing their vulnerability to experience negative sexual outcomes. Research consistently shows that individuals with disabilities are at greater risk of sexual abuse, exploitation, unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases