Sexuality, intellectual disability, and human rights legislation

Sexuality constitutes a central feature of what it is to be human, yet health practitioners, families, and caregivers frequently perceive romantic and sexually intimate relationships among persons with intellectual disabilities to be inappropriate tending to regard such individuals as either 'asexual' or 'hyper-sexed'. A number of myths, stereotypes, and prejudices intersect in a manner that has deleterious consequences for persons with intellectual disabilities. This article reviews the literature on sexuality and barriers to sexual expression among persons with intellectual disabilities. Relevant legislative frameworks and human rights issues, in particular, the tensions between protecting persons with intellectual disabilities from exploitation, and the promotion of sexual autonomy also receive consideration. In addition, the article explores issues relating to competency to consent to sexual acts and concludes with a synthesis of the current knowledge.