Healthy Relationships
- Good hygiene and regular health maintenance;
- Independent or assisted management of bowel and bladder;
- Menstruation, fertility, and birth control;
- Sex activities and protection from sexual diseases;
- Sex abuse and/or exploitation; and
- How a particular disability may affect sexuality throughout one’s lifespan.
Specific Diagnoses
Resources
Information & Support
For Professionals
Sexuality and People with Disabilities ( 257 KB)
This Medical Home newsletter provides information for primary care providers and families including Sexuality and People with
Disabilities; American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for education about sexuality; tips for parents; and resources,
books, and websites for parents and providers.
For Parents and Patients
Annotated Bibliography: Sexuality and Disability
This bibliography was compiled by Amy Levine, M.A., SIECUS Librarian and Darlene Torres, Library Assistant. Sexuality Information
and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS)
Healthy Relationships, Sexuality and Disability Resource Guide ( 1.2 MB)
Online 43 page rich resource guide for young people living with disabilities, and their families and health care providers.
Topics include puberty, sex ed, social skills and relationships, sexual orientation, sexual health, human rights, and abuse
prevention. 2014 Edition prepared by a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Massachusetts
Department of Developmental Services (MDDS).
Making Choices: Are You Ready? ( 43 KB)
This handout provides brief information about healthy relationships and sex; from the Kentucky Commission for Children with
Special Health Care Needs.
Puberty in Children with Special Health Care Needs (Utah Family Voices) ( 59 KB)
Information and resources about puberty, sexuality, parental challenges, and the role of the clinician.
Menstrual Management Fact Sheet ( 49 KB)
Information, tips, and resources from the Utah Family Voices Health Information & Support Center.
Plan Your Health, Live Your Life ( 8.1 MB)
Transitions are for everyone. This 6-page planning document has information for teens as they become adults including career
goals, health, pregnancy planning, immunizations, STIs, personal safety, emotional health, finances, and more; developed by
the Utah Department of Health and collaborative partners.
PACER's National Family Advocacy and Support Training Project (FAST)
This page has a piece on "The Journey to Adulthood – What Every Parent Needs to Know" in regards to youth and maturity. Also
includes information on Transition to Adulthood and more for young adults and families, in English and Spanish.
Self-Exams for Females ( 33 KB)
This handout provides brief information about how to do a breast self-exam; from the Kentucky Commission for Children with
Special Health Care Needs.
Self-Exams for Males ( 42 KB)
This handout provides brief information about how to do a testicular self-exam; from the Kentucky Commission for Children
with Special Health Care Needs.
Clean Teeth ( 33 KB)
This handout provides brief information about brushing and flossing teeth; from the Kentucky Commission for Children with
Special Health Care Needs.
Exercise ( 34 KB)
This handout provides brief information about exercising; from the Kentucky Commission for Children with Special Health Care
Needs.
Youth Leadership Toolkit
Good video site for youth and young adults to learn about employment and related topics in an easy access online format. Developed
by Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) in collaboration with the Center for Persons with Disabilities and the Becoming
Leaders for Tomorrow Project.
Plan Your Health, Live Your Life ( 8.1 MB)
Transitions are for everyone. This 6-page planning document has information for teens as they become adults including career
goals, health, pregnancy planning, immunizations, STIs, personal safety, emotional health, finances, and more; developed by
the Utah Department of Health and collaborative partners.
Helpful Articles
Murphy NA, Elias ER.
Sexuality of children and adolescents with developmental disabilities.
Pediatrics.
2006;118(1):398-403.
PubMed abstract / Full Text
This American Academy of Pediatrics' Clinical Report provides additional information and guidance for providers relating to
puberty, psychosocial considerations, sexual abuse, sexuality education, and the pediatrician's role.