Hello! The disabled have sexual needs, too

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Kota Kinabalu: People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) have the same sexual needs or feelings as normal individuals.

"It is also untrue to say that people with IDD have more sexual feelings or needs compared to normal people," said Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Dr Elizabeth Daniel from India.

The Consultant Clinical Psychologist dispelled the myths in a quiz at the Parents Workshop on Sexuality Among Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) at the ongoing International Conference on Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities 2011 which ends today (Wednesday).

The workshop at UMS was also attended by health professionals and social workers. Dr Elizabeth, who is currently with UMS School of Psychology and Social Work, also asked:

"Is it bad for persons with IDD to express their sexual feelings or needs?

Must we stop it? If those with IDD do indulge in sexual acts, must they be punished?" The answers are "No" because punishing them is not a solution.

The workshop also cleared three other misconceptions :

1. Persons with IDD have poor knowledge and understanding so it does not matter if they watch movies or videos with sexual content. (False)

2. Persons with IDD have poor knowledge and understanding so it does not matter if adults, dress or behave in sexually provocative ways and show sexually inappropriate behaviour in front of them. (False)

3. It is all right for parents of persons with IDD to take care of their physical needs and infantilise them, even when they are teenagers and can be trained to be independent. (False)

Dr Elizabeth, who has 22 years of teaching and clinical experience, advised parents of IDD children to be extremely careful how they behave.

Read More at Daily Express...panjang sangat..hee