ERIC Number: EJ1345206
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1468-1811
EISSN: EISSN-1472-0825
Scoping Review on Sex Education for High School-Aged Students with Intellectual Disability and/or on the Autism Spectrum: Parents', Teachers' and Students' Perspectives, Attitudes and Experiences
Strnadová, Iva; Danker, Joanne; Carter, Allison
Sex Education: Sexuality, Society and Learning, v22 n3 p361-378 2022
Sex education is critical for the development of healthy sexual identity and relationships. However, students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum often receive less holistic sex education in comparison to their neurotypical counterparts. A scoping review was undertaken to determine parents', teachers' and students' perspectives, attitudes and experiences related to sex education for high school-aged students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum. Findings revealed that only a few studies consulted students themselves, while most sought only parents' and teachers' perspectives. Teachers and parents had generally positive attitudes towards sex education for students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum. However, teachers' beliefs may prevent them from delivering sex education as intended. Furthermore, parents reported a lack of confidence in discussing sexuality with their children. Well-designed, disability-inclusive education programmes that prioritise safety, assertiveness and self-determination can support positive outcomes. Removing barriers to sex education in schools, and learning from students with intellectual disability and/or on the autism spectrum what they think could improve things for themselves and peers, is key to supporting them with their needs.
Descriptors: Sex Education, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Students with Disabilities, High School Students, Student Attitudes, Parent Attitudes, Teacher Attitudes, Barriers, Course Content, Teaching Methods
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Information Analyses; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A