Parents' perception of social and sexual functions in adolescents with Down's syndrome

The authors investigated parental perceptions of social interactions, interest in the opposite sex, sexual functions and issues concerning sex education in young persons with Down's syndrome. The evaluation of the data revealed that more than half of the study population showed interest in the opposite sex and are attending social gatherings. Many of the youngsters had expressed a desire to get married, however, only a few had an interest in sexual relationships. Masturbation was observed in 40% of the young men and in 22% of the young women. About half of the parents feel that their children should be sterilized or should have other forms of birth control if they would be able to reproduce. Only a limited number of adolescents had sex education. More parents who have girls with Down's syndrome than those who have boys are worried that their child may be taken advantage of sexually.