ABCs at ABCD Presentation: May 2024
ABCD’s Jeanne Ashmore welcomed Matheny Medical and Educational Centers, Director of Psychological and Social Services. Dr. Dan Balboni, PsyD, to present on The Complexities of Addressing Healthy Sexuality in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.
What we learned.
It’s not just what you say, it’s how you say it. One of the most important elements when talking about sex and sexuality is the comfort that the speaker has in conveying the information.
The reluctant counselor. In our industry most of these discussions with the individual are done by the medical or group home provider. Staff recognize the need and that there is no one to fill it, so “I guess I’ll do it.”
The importance of scaffolding: You don’t want to have to learn something in a crisis. Providing information reactively is not optimum; something has already occurred, and our reaction may feel punitive to the individual. It’s important to lay the groundwork – ensuring the individual understands the difference between a public and private area; determining whether the person can take the perspective of another individual; ensuring the individual understands their body and sexual process; and understanding that their feelings and desires are normal and healthy.
The truth works, but only if it is delivered correctly. Break down the basics, use the same terminology repeatedly, and deliver the message(s) with the importance and seriousness they deserve.
Normalize. Normalize. Normalize. No one should feel ashamed for having questions and desires.
Dan provided input and recommendations for all the great questions asked by the participants.
Our thanks to ABCD Founding Board Member, Matheny Medical and Educational Centers for sharing Dr. Balboni with us. It was a terrific session.
To find out more about Matheny, check out their website at www.Matheny.org
