Talking About Sex

Elizabeth A. Harkins Monaco is a professor of special education at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. She focuses on social and emotional development for students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorders.Thomas Gibbon is an associate professor of special education at Shippensburg University. He focuses on transition to adulthood and vocational models for students with disabilities. David Bateman is a professor of special education at Shippensburg University. He focuses on appropriate services for students with disabilities.

• PrefaceAcknowledgmentsChapter 1- IntroductionChapter 2- We’re in this Together: Who are the Educators?Chapter 3- The Birds and the Bees: Specific Skills and Teaching StrategiesChapter 4- We Can’t Hide: Pop Culture and Digital MediaChapter 5- The Birds and the Bees, Round 2: The CurriculumChapter 6- No One Can Escape Puberty: Physical and Cognitive Development Chapter 7- What Does It All Mean: LGBTQ+Chapter 8- Special Considerations: Group Homes and Residential FacilitiesChapter 9- Similarities and Differences: ASD and IDD Chapter 10- Just Say No! (Or Yes): EthicsAbout the Authors

Talking About Sex: Sexuality Education for Learners with Disabilities makes an essential contribution to advocating for self-determination of persons with developmental disabilities by taking up a subject that educators and other human service professional have historically overlooked. Educational practices have focused on academic and self-help skills while largely ignoring issues of sexuality. Understanding sexuality is an equally important life skill that empowers young adults with disabilities. Individuals with developmental disabilities are at the greatest risk for sexual abuse and need an awareness of both normal and deviant sexuality. These individuals have the same rights as people without disabilitiesto engage in sexual and relationship exploration, including knowledge of safe sex practices, consent, and ethical behavior. In addition to exploring the topic, the authors offer instructional approaches for sex education that are adapted for special populations. Talking About Sex: Sexuality Education for Learners with Disabilities is a must-read for parents, counselors, providers, and virtually anyone engaged in the field.