Sexuality Education

The sexuality education component of the program offers sexuality education to individuals with developmental disabilities, ages 11 years and up. Sexuality education groups meet once a week for an hour in the late afternoon or evening over 6 consecutive weeks. Before groups begin, parents or significant caregivers are asked to attend a one hour session to assist in finalizing the educational content of future groups. Depending of the age, needs, and functioning level of the participants, as well as the concerns of caregivers, group participants may receive education in any the following areas: differences between males and females; gender identity; differentiating between public and private; modesty; getting ready for and/or dealing with puberty; grooming and hygiene; body ownership and abuse prevention; social judgment and responsibility; friendships; relationships; personal boundaries; dating; social skills; self-esteem; love and intimacy; menstrual hygiene; masturbation; intercourse; reproduction; pregnancy; childbirth; sexually transmitted diseases and their prevention; sexual decision making skills; birth control; sexual orientation; lifestyle choices; parenting; and sexual health. Short-term individual counseling sessions (8 sessions maximum) may be offered to persons recovering from traumatic experiences, to individuals exhibiting socially or sexually maladaptive behaviors, or to those who cannot benefit from group sexuality education. Parents of children with low cognitive functioning levels can also receive education in teaching their children about sexuality, particularly emphasizing protection against coercive sexual activity, pregnancy and STDs.  Please note that the services offered within the sexuality education component of the program are free of charge.

All potential participants in the Sexuality & Reproductive Health Program are asked to download, complete and return the pre-admission questionnaire (in PDF format - you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader available without cost from Adobe to view the Application Form). The questions are designed to gather information regarding the participant's overall level of functioning, physical health, and sexual history, as well as to assess any socio-sexual difficulties that they may be experiencing. Participants will be called to schedule appointments once the completed questionnaires are received and thoroughly reviewed. If you have any questions regarding the enclosed questionnaire or the program, please feel free to contact Lisa Mitchell at (631) 632-3147. Thank you for your interest in the program.