Patients with Physical, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Individuals with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities reproductively mature at the same rate as the general population. However, they often lag far behind their peers in access to education about the emotional, social, and medical challenges that accompany the physical changes of the emerging adult. Access to education and reproductive health services is essential for the development of a sense of self, establishing fulfilling physical and emotional relationships, and protection from abuse and poor outcomes that can be anticipated and prevented. The approach to a patient’s sexuality and reproductive health needs varies across disabilities and chronic conditions. Understanding that each patient is a sexual being who requires attention to sexuality and reproductive health needs will optimize the mental health, safety, and general health outcomes across the spectrum of physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities. This chapter will address the needs of this complex population by offering insight into the problems of limited sexuality education, understanding the risk of abuse, addressing alternative approaches to ensuring access to preventative sexual health and routine screenings, and maximizing the opportunities for healthy relationships.