Issues of Sexuality in Down Syndrome

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Issues of Sexuality in Down Syndrome
Don C. Van Dyke, MD, Dianne M. McBrien, MD, Andrea Sherbondy, MD
Dept. of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, USA

Abstract -As human beings, individuals with Down syndrome have the right to emotionally satisfying and culturally appropriate sexual expression. As patients, they have the right to routine reproductive health care provided to the general population. Cognitive and language disabilities may predispose this population to unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and sexual exploitation. Sex education tailored to cognitive level, learning style, and living arrangements is essential to the education of children and young adults with Down syndrome.

This article was originally published in the journal
Down Syndrome Research and Practice, vol 3, issue 2, 1995.
Copyright © 1995-2001 The Down Syndrome Educational Trust.
All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission of publisher.