We’re really proud of our Mental Health Occupational Therapy (MHOT) team’s approach to addressing a topic often overlooked: sex and exploring sexuality for people living with a disability.
Many of our clients face barriers, both physical and psychosocial, that prevent their participation in this vital aspect of life due to their illness, age or the impact of the symptoms of their disability.
Our team’s approach to welcoming conversations with clients who have often felt ashamed, stigmatised or unable to discuss their interest in sex, is having a positive impact.
The Desire
Putting theory into practice, one of our clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and anxiety shared a desire to understand sex and masturbation better and experience masturbation and sex for themself.
Having this knowledge is crucial for self-discovery and enhancing sexual health and well-being, improving self-esteem and confidence and contributing to improving overall quality of life.
And our MHOT team listened and responded.
The Outcome
Through listening to and advocating for our clients to have the opportunity to achieve their new goals, our client’s NDIS plan now includes provisions for them to work with both an MHOT and a sexologist.
This collaborative approach is helping our client understand and embrace their sexuality.
By providing a safe and respectful space for our client to disclose their highly personal goals, and by listening to and advocating for the previously unspoken concerns and desires of our clients, our MHOT team is committed to holistic, client-centred care.
This approach not only encourages individual growth but greater societal understanding and de-stigmatisation of people with disabilities exploring their sexuality.
We are very proud of this outcome!
Need more information?
For helpful links and resources on this topic, please check out:
- www.secca.org.au/about
- Planet Puberty
- Looking After Me Program (LAMP) | True
- Sexual health promotion with young people with a disability | Play Safe Pro (nsw.gov.au)
If you have any questions, please get in touch with Recovery Station on 1300 588 851
Until next time,
