Concepciones de la sexualidad de los niños, niñas y adolescentes con discapacidad intelectual desde la mirada de los profesores del centro de Desarrollo Integral y Capacitación Ocupacional (CEDICA), Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

This study explores the perceptions of sexuality in children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (children and adolescents with ID); a group that often faces unique challenges in their sexual development due to cognitive and social conditions. The main objective of this research is to investigate the sexuality conceptions of children and adolescents with ID from the perspective of their teachers at the Centro de Desarrollo Integral y Capacitación Ocupacional (CEDICA) in Cuenca, Ecuador. A qualitative study was conducted through the application of seven semistructured interviews. The data was processed by adopting the principles of the Thematic Analysis in order to have a correct organization through codes, categories, and themes. The findings highlight the importance of comprehensive sexual education, focusing on human development, gender identity, and protection against diseases and abuses. This research limitations include the lack of specific resources and materials for sexual education and the resistance of family members to address this topic with their children with ID. This study suggests the necessity for educational reforms and greater collaboration between institutions and family members to improve the approach to sexuality in children with ID.le pon