Background: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO)…

Background: A limited number of studies have explored religion's role in the intimate lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. This paper illustrates how religion, both of disabled people and those around them (e.g., family members, support workers), can shape the attitudes and experiences of disabled people toward sexuality. Method: This…

College students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) are transitioning to more autonomous college settings in recent years. Intimacy education has been identified as a potential need; yet, there are factors that could facilitate or inhibit access to education, experiences, and support efforts in this area. The Continuum of…

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities experience higher rates of exploitative intimate relationships. Parents of these adults play important roles in their lives. This study examined the role of parents in the intimate relationship experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities. Method: A mixed methods design was utilised.…

Background: Although the rights to sexuality and intimacy are increasingly recognised, it is a widely held assumption that women with intellectual disabilities are unable to express their sexuality freely, partly due to a lack of research and information on the topic. Objective: To explore the perspectives of women with intellectual disabilities…

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual…

Background: Sexual health remains at risk for people with an intellectual disability. Attitudes towards sexuality, its support and education have an important role in promoting sexual health. The current review aims to provide an overview of the current research on supportive and restrictive attitudes towards sexuality and its support of people…

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs allow for college students with intellectual disability to experience a higher level of autonomy in choice making, which they may not have experienced in their family home or high school. This includes choice making related to romantic and sexual relationships. The "Continuum of Support for Intimacy…

Background: Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland. Methods: Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5)…

Background: Making decisions about feelings and relationships is a challenge for many people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this article is to explore their opinions regarding the difficulties they experience in relation to having a partner and living together. Method: Nine advisers with ID with experience in inclusive research…

Background: A particular challenge facing parents of children with intellectual disabilities occurs when their adult children with intellectual disabilities has an interest in pursuing couple relationships. This study explores parents' perceptions regarding the nature of couple relationships, the right of their adult children with intellectual…

Background: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities face challenges in developing and maintaining intimate relationships, frequently requiring support from staff. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 26 social care staff members to explore the support they provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to…

Students with an intellectual disability are increasingly attending inclusive postsecondary education programs (IPSEs) to equip them to thrive in adult-life environments. Students within these programs receive support in various areas, such as academics, employment, social engagement, personal development, and independent living. While It is well…

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) unquestionably have desires to engage in sexual and intimate relationships (Black & Kammes, 2019). However, with high rates of abuse and exploitation among people with IDD (Shapiro, 2018), it is important to evaluate their education regarding sexuality and romantic relationships.…

Background: Some adults with intellectual disabilities need support to access the Internet. This study explores how support workers understand their role in facilitating Internet access for intimate relationships. Method: Eight support workers in the West Midlands of the UK were interviewed face-to-face, using semi-structured interviews and a…