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Sexual and reproductive health is recognized by the World Health Organization as a fundamental human right. In recent years, sexuality in the context of disability has increasingly emerged as a relevant topic within scientific, clinical, and social debates. Despite this growing recognition, significant barriers continue to hinder the full realization of sexual health and rights for people with lived experiences of disability. Structural, cultural, and professional obstacles, ranging from stereotypes that portray individuals with disabilities as asexual or unfit for parenthood to persistent gaps in healthcare training and accessibility, limit opportunities for sexual education, adequate care, and self-determination. This entry addresses the gap in both the acknowledgment of sexuality as an integral dimension of the lives of people with disabilities and in its effective management within clinical and social contexts. Through a comprehensive and integrated analysis, this entry explores sexuality across various types of disability, including intellectual, motor, sensory, neurodivergent, and psychiatric conditions, while also addressing the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and the specific issues related to childhood and adolescence. It draws attention to clinically relevant aspects that healthcare professionals should be aware of. Such understanding is necessary to respond appropriately to diverse needs, provide informed and respectful care, and support individuals in pursuing rights-based pathways toward a free, fulfilling, and accessible sexuality. Within this framework, the ALIVE+ model (Ask & Affirm, Language & Listening, Information & Intervention, Visit & Validation, Education & Empowerment, plus teamwork) is proposed as a structured tool to support healthcare and educational professionals. By combining inclusive communication, tailored interventions, clinical validation, education, empowerment, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the model promotes sexual autonomy, dignity, and satisfaction for all individuals.

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Sexuality

  • 动态工具书词条

  • 发表日期：

    2026年

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  • Laura Pelizzari

摘要

Sexual and reproductive health is recognized by the World Health Organization as a fundamental human right. In recent years, sexuality in the context of disability has increasingly emerged as a relevant topic within scientific, clinical, and social debates. Despite this growing recognition, significant barriers continue to hinder the full realization of sexual health and rights for people with lived experiences of disability. Structural, cultural, and professional obstacles, ranging from stereotypes that portray individuals with disabilities as asexual or unfit for parenthood to persistent gaps in healthcare training and accessibility, limit opportunities for sexual education, adequate care, and self-determination. This entry addresses the gap in both the acknowledgment of sexuality as an integral dimension of the lives of people with disabilities and in its effective management within clinical and social contexts. Through a comprehensive and integrated analysis, this entry explores sexuality across various types of disability, including intellectual, motor, sensory, neurodivergent, and psychiatric conditions, while also addressing the intersectional challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and the specific issues related to childhood and adolescence. It draws attention to clinically relevant aspects that healthcare professionals should be aware of. Such understanding is necessary to respond appropriately to diverse needs, provide informed and respectful care, and support individuals in pursuing rights-based pathways toward a free, fulfilling, and accessible sexuality. Within this framework, the ALIVE+ model (Ask & Affirm, Language & Listening, Information & Intervention, Visit & Validation, Education & Empowerment, plus teamwork) is proposed as a structured tool to support healthcare and educational professionals. By combining inclusive communication, tailored interventions, clinical validation, education, empowerment, and multidisciplinary collaboration, the model promotes sexual autonomy, dignity, and satisfaction for all individuals.