“Somebody You Love”: Romantic Relationships and Mental Health Amongst People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

This chapter provides an up-to-date overview of romantic relationship conceptualization and experiences of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. While it is clear that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities generally desire and often experience romantic relationships, there continues to be limited socio-sexual education. The ongoing tendency to “shelter” individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities from open and informative discussions of romantic relationships and sexuality often also “shelters” these individuals from understanding the importance of healthy and safe romantic experiences. Thus, these individuals are at increased risk for unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infection, and abuse. Based on research, important recommendations and future directions are offered.