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@article{202651,
        author = {K K SIRISHA Y and SUMAN DHAKA},
        title = {Perceived Barriers and Concerns of Mothers in Providing Sexuality Education to Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Study},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {12},
        number = {12},
        pages = {6846-6852},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=202651},
        abstract = {Sexuality education is an essential component of holistic development of children and adolescents. Children with intellectual disabilities experience physiological and emotional changes similar to normally developing children; however cognitive limitations, communication difficulties and impaired adaptive functioning increase their vulnerability to sexual abuse, exploitation and inappropriate social behaviours. Mothers as primary caregivers play pivotal role in providing sexuality education to their children. However, many mothers have inadequate knowledge and confidence while discussing sexual health topics; also associated with certain degree of cultural stigma and personal inhibitions associated with such topics, may be more pronounced among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.
A qualitative research design was adopted wherein twenty mothers of children with intellectual disabilities attending a special school were identified as the accessible population using purposive sampling. Finally, eighteen mothers were included in the sample. Data were collected using in-depth semi-structured interviews until data saturation was achieved. The interviews were audio-recorded, verbatim transcripts were prepared and analysed using the Braun-Clarke thematic analysis.
Major barriers identified included developmental and cognitive limitations of the child, communication difficulties, behavioural challenges, lack of parental confidence and inadequate knowledge, time constraints and limited institutional support. Major concerns expressed by mothers included children’s vulnerability to abuse, fear that children may be unable to report inappropriate experiences, uncertainty regarding developmental readiness for sexuality education, fear of triggering curiosity in children and concerns about exposure to inappropriate media content.
The study highlighted that mothers recognize the importance of sexuality education for children with intellectual disability but encounter multiple challenges in providing it. Strengthening caregiver education, implementing supportive policies, improving institutional support and promoting collaboration among families, educators and healthcare professionals may help parents provide developmentally appropriate sexuality education for upholding the rights and dignity of children with intellectual disabilities.},
        keywords = {Intellectual disability (ID), mothers, perceived barriers and concerns, sexuality education.},
        month = {May},
        }