Background: People with intellectual disabilities have equal rights to explore their sexuality and access sexual and reproductive healthcare, yet little is known about their needs and wants when accessing health education. The current study sought to learn about the sexual health interests, attitudes, and educational needs of Special Olympics (SO)…

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities experience higher rates of exploitative intimate relationships. Parents of these adults play important roles in their lives. This study examined the role of parents in the intimate relationship experiences of adults with intellectual disabilities. Method: A mixed methods design was utilised.…

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities have historically been hindered, rather than supported, in their desire to form loving relationships. This paper sought to explore with them what kinds of support they wanted in the 21st Century. Method: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 40 adults with intellectual…

The paper focuses on the view and experiences of self-advocates with intellectual disabilities towards love and intimate relationships. Although sexuality is considered to be a significant aspect of human life, people with intellectual disabilities are rarely given opportunities to explore and develop it as well as to express their opinions about…

Postsecondary education (PSE) programs allow for college students with intellectual disability to experience a higher level of autonomy in choice making, which they may not have experienced in their family home or high school. This includes choice making related to romantic and sexual relationships. The "Continuum of Support for Intimacy…

Background: Staff member's views and attitudes can have a significant impact on people with an intellectual disability. This study explores staff attitudes and experiences of people with an intellectual disability's expression of relationships and sexuality across service providers in Ireland. Methods: Staff (n = 86) from service providers (n = 5)…

Background: Making decisions about feelings and relationships is a challenge for many people with intellectual disabilities (ID). The aim of this article is to explore their opinions regarding the difficulties they experience in relation to having a partner and living together. Method: Nine advisers with ID with experience in inclusive research…

Background: A particular challenge facing parents of children with intellectual disabilities occurs when their adult children with intellectual disabilities has an interest in pursuing couple relationships. This study explores parents' perceptions regarding the nature of couple relationships, the right of their adult children with intellectual…

Background: People with intellectual and developmental disabilities face challenges in developing and maintaining intimate relationships, frequently requiring support from staff. Method: Focus groups were conducted with 26 social care staff members to explore the support they provided to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to…

Students with an intellectual disability are increasingly attending inclusive postsecondary education programs (IPSEs) to equip them to thrive in adult-life environments. Students within these programs receive support in various areas, such as academics, employment, social engagement, personal development, and independent living. While It is well…

Objectives: The sexuality and sexual development of individuals with autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) and an accompanying intellectual disability is a neglected area, despite the fact that this group have the same sexual desires as their typically developing peers. Due to the socially marginalized position these individuals are often placed in,…

Background: Some adults with intellectual disabilities need support to access the Internet. This study explores how support workers understand their role in facilitating Internet access for intimate relationships. Method: Eight support workers in the West Midlands of the UK were interviewed face-to-face, using semi-structured interviews and a…

This study aims to understand how Swedish storybooks targeting youth portray, the relationships (social capital) and emotions of characters with intellectual disability. A collection of 37 storybooks were analysed using grounded theory. The results suggest that romantic relationships dominate in the storybooks. In the portrayal of romantic…

Attending college can lead to many benefits including better outcomes in adult life for college graduates. This concept is applicable to all students, including students with intellectual disability who are attending institutions of higher education programs to refine social, academic, employment, and independent living skills. Similar to their…

Background: Friendship is important to quality of life, yet people with intellectual disability have more restricted social networks and fewer friends outside family and support staff. Method: Data from a nationally representative longitudinal study of older adults with intellectual disability (aged >40) examined rates and types of friends.…