Comprehensive Sexual Health Education
This program is tailored to the learning strengths, specific needs, and innermost wishes of folks with Down syndrome of all ages. It endeavours to empower them to have safe, healthy, and pleasurable relationships with themselves, their bodies, and others. Sessions can include their families, caregivers, and support staff and start in early childhood and continue throughout their lifespan. An early start builds a foundation of openness and self-value. We want people with Down syndrome to feel good about their bodies, relationships, and identities. This program is also valuable so families can understand how to support them in often confusing, embarrassing, or awkward subjects.
Any age is a great age to learn about sexuality and sexual health. These topics are broad and include but are not limited to:
Our Bodies
- Names and functions of body parts
- Hygiene
- Puberty
- Pregnancy and conception
Our Identities
- Self-esteem, emotions, and body image
- Down syndrome and what it means to me
- Gender (gender roles, gender expectations, and gender identity)
- Romantic and sexual attraction
- Platonic and aromantic attraction
- Media and social media
Our Relationships
- Social skills for friendships
- Setting and maintaining boundaries
- Consent
Safety and Abuse Prevention
- Secrets vs surprises
- Public vs private
- Healthy vs unhealthy relationships
For teens and adults, additional topics may include:
- Crushes, dating, and relationships
- Sexual experiences including fantasies, touch, intimacy, and love
- Healthy and safe decision making
- Sexually explicit material