Dating and Sexuality in Special Education

Abstract

Intellectual disability is often stereotyped in the sexual matter, due to lack of tacit knowledge and the society’s prejudice with the differences. The objective of this study is to discuss the facets of sexuality in students of a special school and create socio-educational groups about the issue, in order to facilitate the expression of their livings and thoughts. The methodology applied was a brief literature review to collect data to be correlated with seven meetings with approximately 10 students and one with the teachers and with parents and guardians. The quantitative analysis demonstrated the lack of scientific production about the subject and the groups shows itself as positives, exposing the familiar relationship's idealizations, highlighting the lack of affection and demonstrating that the sexuality is intrinsic to human, that the students have some desires and they expect a more affective future. Moreover, there was a taboo in relation with the subject sexuality in the issue of freedom to speak about it and take out the doubts. It was considered that the intellectual disabled students need playful activities and a slow process of assimilation and accommodation of the information in order to them understand the concept. They demonstrate understand about the sexual practices and create their own concepts of the right and wrong in a dating or relationship.