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Attitudes of social service providers towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- BAZZO Giuseppe, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.110-115.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
The sexual lives of people with intellectual disability is made complex by the involvement and influence of social service providers, whose beliefs and values have a great impact on the support they provide. This Italian study describes attitudes of social service providers towards the sexuality of individuals with disability measured by 20 items of Sexuality and Mental Retardation Attitudes Inventory (SMRAI). The participants were staff, 216 social service providers from residential centres, day centres, and outpatient treatment services. Results suggested that the social service providers participating in this research study tended to have moderately liberal attitudes. Educational level and role carried out did not produce differences in their attitudes. A significant difference emerged between those who operated in different services. It was especially the staff of the outpatient treatment services who revealed the most liberal and positive attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability. The data reported in the present study seem to underline some differences between the data collected from the Italian and the Anglo-Saxon social service providers. Failure to record influences associated with the role carried out and previous training could be related to the different contextual differences. Results suggest that particular attention should be paid to the training of those who hold managerial posts in Italian residential services.
Sexual knowledge and attitudes of men with intellectual disability who sexually offend
- Authors:
- LUNSKY Yona, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 32(2), June 2007, pp.74-81.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Various explanations of sexual offending in men with intellectual disability (ID) have stressed sexual deviance and a lack of developmental socio-sexual knowledge. Using the normative dataset of people with ID from the development of the Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Assessment Tool - Revised, two samples of individuals with ID and a history of sexual offence were compared on sexual knowledge to matched samples of individuals with ID and no known sexual offences. The sample was drawn from Canada and the United States. Offenders with ID who were identified as having engaged in sexually inappropriate behaviour, such as public masturbation or touching someone inappropriately, did not differ in terms of sexual knowledge from their matched sample of individuals with ID with no sexual offence history, whereas offenders who had committed more serious offences demonstrated greater sexual knowledge than matched non-offenders. When only those individuals who had received prior sex education were compared in terms of sexual knowledge, there were no differences between groups. However, sex offenders (serious offences) expressed more liberal attitudes than sex offenders (inappropriate behaviour) and non-offenders towards same-sex activities. The study points to the dynamic effect of socio-sexual education on offenders' knowledge and attitudes, and highlights potential differences in the knowledge and attitudes of different subtypes of offenders.
'I count myself as normal, well, not normal, but normal enough' men with learning disabilities tell their stories about sexuality and sexual identity
- Author:
- WHEELER Paul
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 12(1), January 2007, pp.16-27.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This study sought to explore how a group of men with learning disabilities in South Wales experienced their sexuality and sexual identity, using and interpretative phenomenological analysis. If found that, although the participants saw themselves as sexual beings, their opportunities for expressing their sexuality were often limited and controlled by others. It also found that the participants saw themselves more in terms of their 'differences' from other men than of their similarities. Recommendations for changes in practice and policy that many facilitate the appropriate expression of sexuality by men with learning disabilities are made.
The impact of mental capacity legislation on the assessment of people with learning disabilities: a practical note
- Authors:
- CRAIG Leam A., NAGI Claire, HUTCHINSON Roger B.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Forensic Practice, 9(4), December 2007, pp.12-18.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
While new mental capacity legislation is designed to protect people who lack the mental capacity to made decisions, it is not clear how this legislation applies in criminal cases where the capacity to consent to sexual relations has been questioned. This paper aims to consider key aspects of mental capacity legislation and apply it to a case example. The definitions and assessment procedures involved in assessing 'mental capacity' are considered, and practice guidance for mental health professionals working in this field is offered.
Too sexed up!
- Author:
- McDONAGH Rosaleen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Adult Protection, 9(4), November 2007, pp.27-33.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The author discusses sexuality and sexual expression in relation to people with learning disabilities. The paper also makes references to the authors experiences of being sexually, physically and racially abused.
An evaluation of research and training resources for the sex education of people with moderate to severe learning disabilities
- Authors:
- GRIEVEO Alan, McLAREN Shona, LINDSAY William R.
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 35(1), March 2007, pp.30-37.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
To review the literature on issues surrounding the sexuality of people with moderate to severe learning disability (SLD), and evaluate available assessment and training methods. This research arose from an increasing number of referrals for clinical intervention in the training and education of appropriate social and sexual behaviour in people with moderate to SLD. What became apparent was the lack of suitable materials and assessments, which is significant as a large number of persons with SLD have problems with language, and so require tools and programmes which have enhanced levels of pictorial support. An extensive review of the literature revealed that the research on sexuality in SLD was limited. Furthermore, where research had been conducted, poor methodology or validation issues were common, and materials appeared overly complicated for clients with moderate to SLD. Further research into the development and validation of assessment tools and training programmes which increase appropriate sexual behaviours is urgently required.
Let's talk about sex
- Author:
- TAYLOR Jennifer
- Journal article citation:
- Nursing Times, 9.1.07, 2007, pp.20-21.
- Publisher:
- Nursing Times
This article reports on the work of a team of children's learning disability nurses at Leeds PCT who developed a teaching pack on puberty and sexuality in children with learning disabilities. The team were winners of the sexual health category of the Nursing Times Award 2006.
Still off-limits? Staff views on supporting gay, lesbian and bisexual people with intellectual disabilities to develop sexual and intimate relationships
- Authors:
- ABBOTT David, HOWARTH Joyce
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(2), March 2007, pp.116-126.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
In the UK and elsewhere, there is a growing policy and legislative imperative to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are supported to develop relationships, including sexual ones. However, gay, lesbian and bisexual people with intellectual disabilities may have additional needs or face particular barriers in this area of their lives. They may require particular kinds of support from the staff who work with them. As part of empirical, qualitative research, the authors carried out interviews with 71 staff in 20 intellectual disability services across the UK about their views and experiences of working with people with intellectual disabilities who were, or may have been, gay, lesbian or bisexual. The majority of staff interviewed said that they did not feel confident working in this area. A number of barriers to doing the work were identified including a lack of policy and training as well as the prejudice of staff and parents/carers. The reticence of staff to engage with these issues needs addressing especially in the light of the emerging human rights of people with intellectual disabilities to develop sexual and intimate relationships.
Sexual relationships in adults with intellectual disabilities: understanding the law
- Authors:
- O'CALLAGHAN A.C., MURPHY G.H.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 51(3), March 2007, pp.197-206.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Adults with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are known to be very vulnerable to sexual abuse. This may result partly from their lack of sexual knowledge and their powerless position in society. It could also be exacerbated by an ignorance of the law. This study investigates their understanding of the law relating to sexuality. Understanding of the law regarding sexual relationships, consent and abuse was assessed in 60 adults with IDs (mean age 37.6 years) and 60 young people aged 16–18 years (deemed in law capable of consenting to a sexual relationship). Questions were wide ranging, including general laws around sexuality and abuse, as well as the law relating to sexual relationships and ID. There were significant differences between the two groups: adults with IDs had a very limited understanding of the general laws relating to sexuality (e.g. age of consent, incest, abuse), as well as the law relating to sexuality and IDs (e.g. whether they could have sexual relationships, whether they were allowed to marry, what protection they should expect from the law). Young people without disabilities showed a better understanding, both for general laws and for those relating specifically to adults with IDs. These findings show that there is a need to educate people with IDs about the laws relating to sexuality. It is important for people to understand the law and, given the high rates of sexual abuse perpetrated against people with ID, it is essential for them to benefit from the protection the law affords. The new law in England (Sexual Offences Act 2003) post-dated this study.
A comprehensive guide to intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Authors:
- BROWN Ivan, PERCY Maire
- Publisher:
- Paul H. Brookes
- Publication year:
- 2007
- Pagination:
- 768p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Baltimore, MD
This comprehensive textbook on children and adults with learning disabilities contains contributions from over 70 authors. These include experts, disability leaders and family members. Its forty five chapters are organised in five main sections. The first section, an overview of intellectual and developmental disabilities, covers: definitions, an historical overview of intellectual disabilities, human rights and advocacy. The second section contains individual chapters on a range of different conditions including Down Syndrome, Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, Aspergers Syndrome, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and ADHD. Section three, support and intervention, includes chapters on person-centred support, behavioural interventions, and the role of diversity in psychological assessment and intervention. Section four covers development of disabilities through the life span and chapters include early childhood, education, transition to adult life, sexuality, parenting and ageing. Section five, which is on health, includes chapters on: the ethics of consent, physical health, nutrition and the implications of Alzheimer's Disease for people with Down Syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. A final chapter in section six discusses current advances and a vision for the future. The publication is relevant for a wide audience, including students, direct care staff, social workers, academics and policy makers.