Social-sexual education in adolescents with behavioral neurogenetic syndromes.

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with developmental disabilities have unmet needs in their sexual and social knowledge and skills. We conducted a sexual social group intervention in adolescents with neurogenetic syndromes, mainly with Williams and velocardiofacial syndromes and their parents.

METHOD: Ten adolescents with neurogenetic syndromes and 14 parents participated in a Social Sexual Group Education Program. The program was delivered in 10 biweekly sessions to the adolescents and their parents separately.

RESULTS

The focus of psychoeducation in both groups was the adolescents' self-identification, acceptance of the developmental disability, independence, establishment of friendship and intimate relationship, sexual knowledge and sexual development, and safety skills. Change in independent activities of adolescents and in their concept of "Friend" was measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Social and sexual education programs are of the utmost importance for adolescents with neurogenetic developmental disabilities. These programs should start already before adolescence and follow the children into young adulthood.