This session will help participants recognize challenges families face regarding their children’s sexual development, especially when their child experiences cognitive impairments, mental health challenges and/or complex needs. We will describe how social services and the need for direct care intersect with sexual development, often leading to rights violations and dangerous behaviors. We will identify up to ten ways medical and mental health professionals can help promote healthy sexual development and protect their patients’ sexual health rights. The second half of the session, the participants will have an opportunity to engage in peer to peer learning through discussing a scenario and leave with recommendations they can apply.
