Sexuality and Mental Retardation

Abstract

A discussion of sexual issues related to children and adolescents with mental retardation is included in this book because of the critical need to acknowledge their sexuality and to support their psychosexual development. We hope it will provide clinicians with useful information and encourage them to provide services in the area of sexuality for children and adolescents with mental retardation. This chapter includes a brief historical review of myths and attitudes about sexuality of people with mental retardation, discussion of sexual development and sexual education, and a review of the research on sexual abuse and other sexual problems, with an emphasis on assessment and treatment issues that are unique to this population.