Definitions 😥
Schmidt et al. examine sexual health education for adolescents with these developmental profiles.
Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The authors of the scoping review noted that the majority of current studies failed to include information about this high-risk infectious health topic
STIs/HIV/AIDS
This teaching technique, which involves breaking a skill down into smaller units, was suggested for teaching menstrual management
chaining
Many parents avoid conversations because of this emotional barrier.
Embarrasment/Discomfort
Cummins suggests parents should shift from one-off talks to these ongoing conversations.
Open Communication
Cummins et al. focuses on parent–adolescent communication about this topic.
Puberty/Sexual development
This developmental behavior was almost never taught in I/DD interventions.
masturbation
This teaching method, which involves demonstrations or skill practice, was especially common.
Role play/Modeling/activity-based
According to the interviews, one of the biggest challenges related to the girls’ pain (including period pains) was their inability to do this clearly.
Verbalize their pain
The empirical evidence from Schmidt et al. suggests that individuals in this developmental stage demonstrated the greatest improvements in sexual health knowledge
earl/middle adolescents
Cummins found that parents often delay discussions because they believe this about their teen.
Something like they aren't ready yet
This population subgroup, characterized by _______________, was largely absent from the sexual health intervention studies reviewed by Schmidt et al.
moderate to profound disability
Cummins et al. found that parents and educators used this type of portable electronic device, set to vibrate at fixed intervals, as a reminder to promote menstrual hygiene
Vibrating watch
Cummins interviewees expressed conflicting views regarding the optimal time to introduce skills related to this intimate life event.
Menstruation/teaching of intimate skills
Both papers challenge the assumption that sexuality education should only prevent this.
Harm/unsafe behavior
Both articles highlight this major systemic issue that shapes gaps in sexuality education.
Stigma/societal discomfort/stereotypes
Although five of the six studies in the scoping review included individuals with ASD, few conclusions could be drawn about what works for individuals with these
Anything that isn't ASD
SHE interventions were inconsistent because the field lacks this.
Standardization/Unified Curriculum
Caregivers often restrict SHE because they fear this outcome.
Inappropriate behavior/unwanted sexual exposure
Parents act as “gatekeepers,” which can unintentionally limit this part of adolescent development.
agency/independence
Schmidt et al. argue that SHE must be one of these things to be effective.
Comprehensive/rigorously evaluated/developmentally appropriate
Both articles found inadequate coverage of this central concept in healthy sexual relationships.
Consent
Both papers suggest that improving SHE requires shifting away from this narrow, fear-based framework.
Risk-Only/Danger-Focused
Schmidt argues that withholding SHE from I/DD youth creates vulnerability to this major risk.
Exploitation/Abuse/STI
Parents and educators noted that because of this feature of the girls and their learning, the education provided needed to be individualized and tailored to where they were in their learning
Variability of needs/Range of experiences