Linkages is a newsletter for professionals who work with children who have ongoing health conditions or disabilities.
“Sexual health education provides information and opportunities to assist any youth – regardless of their ability – to develop life skills.”
Healthy Bodies – A Parent’s Guide to Puberty for Youth with Disabilities: Colorful, easy to follow books for girls and boys. Covers hygiene, growth and changes during puberty. Appendix includes storyboards and visuals to support what is covered in the book.
For Parents: Teaching Sexual Health
‘How do I talk to my child about good touch vs. bad touch”? “How can I explain what consent means”?
This website helps parents navigate questions like these and provides many resources and ideas including:
- How to prepare and start conversations with your child
- Age and topic specific information
- Engaging and simple videos
How to Talk about Sex and Relationships with Your Child with Special Needs: 19 tips for talking to your child about sexuality and relationships from parents and special needs professionals. From SCOPE – a UK-based disability charity, offering support for disabled people and their families.
Article: Sexual Health Education for Young People with Disabilities: This in-depth article covers key concepts on sexuality and disability, identifies disabilities that are common among young people and provides guidelines for parents on how to talk with their young person about their sexuality and sexual health.
Books for Parents, Youth and Professionals
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Autism and Puberty: List of books for parents and teens on puberty and sexuality for people with autism.
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Sexuality and Disability Resources List: Books and resources about sexuality for teens with disabilities.
- Easy for You to Say: Q and A’s For Teens Living With Chronic Illness or Disabilities, by Miriam Kaufman, 2012. Covers family relationships; doctors and medical issues; friends and dating; school and work; alcohol, drugs, and medications; sexuality; recreation; and transitions in a Q and A format. Answers teens’ questions about heterosexual relationships, homosexuality, pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases.
Visit CSHCN.org for additional topic related resources.
Suicide
Many parents feel alone and isolated in this experience with their child. Dealing with a mental health condition and behaviors takes time, is stressful and can have an impact on your health and well-being. Know that there are many parents who have gone through similar challenges. Here are some tips from other parents who have faced similar experiences:
Learn About Mental Treatment and Providers
What to Do if You Notice Symptoms
Find information on different mental health conditions that children and teens face. These resources include information on symptoms, treatment and getting diagnosed.