PARENTAL PERCEPTION OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND SEXUAL NEEDS OF THEIR ADOLESCENT WITH MILD-MODERATE INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore how parents perceive the sexual development and sexual needs of their adolescents with mild-moderate intellectual disability (ID). A secondary aim was to explore, based on their perception, what measures do parents take in addressing those sexual needs of their adolescent with ID, what resources do they tap on and what challenges they face in doing so. The study adopted a qualitative approach that involved in-depth interviewing of parents of adolescents with ID guided by literature review and a semi-structured interview guide. The study was conceptualized using the Ecological Systems Theory. The findings show that parents seem to perceive sexual development of their adolescent through biological and sometimes behavioural changes resulting from onset of puberty and see them as vulnerable to sexual abuse. They also perceive their child as not being able to understand concepts of intimacy and relationships. In boys they view masturbation and accessing sex-related content on social media as a sexual need. The measure they seem to take to address these needs are talking about biological changes and changes in gender roles, controlling, prohibiting and monitoring certain undesirable activities. The resources parents seem to tap on are formal resources such as teachers in SPED schools and informal resources such as friends and family members who also have children with ID. Findings suggest that the main challenges parents face in addressing these needs are lack of information, skills and being uncomfortable about speaking about sexuality within the family context. As Singapore has become a part of the UNCRPD, more efforts need to be undertaken to enhance support for people with disabilities to attain their sexual rights.