Sexuality Issues and Gynecologic Care of Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities

All human beings are sexual from birth to death and all children and adolescents with or without disability or chronic illness must incorporate appropriate sexuality concepts into their processes of development from childhood to adolescence. This article considers sexuality issues and reproductive care of adolescents with developmental disabilities. Potential consequences of disability on sexuality are reviewed, including sexual abuse and sexual dysfunction. Comprehensive sexuality education is vital for normal growth and development of all youth including those with developmental disabilities.