To assist parents in discussing relationships and growing up with their children who have disabilities, Sethu, a child development and family guidance centre, organised a workshop on ‘Sexual Education for Adolescents with Disabilities.’
The session, conducted by Dr. Nandita De Souza, a developmental pediatrician and the director of Sethu, focused on the crucial aspect of sexuality development in adolescents, especially those with disabilities.
The workshop, attended by 12 participants, aimed to bridge the knowledge gap among parents, highlighting that sexuality education is a fundamental right for every child, including those with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
De Souza, emphasised the importance of integrating sexuality education into overall child development. She said: “Parents often shy away from addressing sexuality development, especially when their child has a disability. It’s important to dispel myths and fears rooted in ignorance and provide parents with the tools and knowledge they need.”
The workshop centered on simplifying the complex topic by breaking it down into clear and manageable concepts. Using a science-based approach, participants were guided on incorporating teachable moments in daily life to help open discussions with their children.
The key focus was adolescence, a period marked by significant hormonal and behavioral changes. De Souza stressed the normalcy of these changes even in children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and outlined specific topics, from common myths to challenges that adolescents with disabilities face during puberty, highlighting what parents should teach on the subject.
The interactive session encouraged participants to share their experiences and engage in activities, fostering a supportive environment. De Souza incorporated games to enhance the learning experience, making the one-hour workshop both informative and engaging.
“Understanding that a child has a disability can be overwhelming for parents. However, it’s important to see beyond the disability and recognise the strengths, talents, and interests of each child,” said De Souza, offering encouragement to parents facing such situations.
The workshop concluded with De Souza expressing hope that the knowledge shared will empower parents to manage this critical aspect of their child’s development and that Sethu remains committed to being a valuable resource for families, providing support and professional guidance.
