Parent and Carer Workshops
The topic of sexuality can be an area of concern for parents and carers of people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders. They are often worried about opening a 'can of worms' by talking to their child about sexuality.
People with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders are often assumed to be non-sexual and fears around exploitation and hurtful situations are persistent realities. Research shows that people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders have the same sexual desires and needs as the rest of the community and therefore need the same support and education around puberty, sexuality and relationships.
Education around puberty, sexuality and relationships for people with intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorders has been proven to increase knowledge and self-esteem, facilitate community participation, and improve decision making and self-protection skills.
Family Planning NSW provides parents and carers with much needed information and resources about puberty, sexuality and relationships. Our workshops help parents and carers to gain a clearer understanding of their child's developing sexuality and strategies to support their personal development in a positive way.
We cover a range of sexuality topics across the lifespan including childhood, adolescence and adulthood including:
- Sexuality and disability
- Preparing for puberty
- Healthy relationships
- Supporting positive and safe sexual expression
- Sexual health
- Tips for talking about sex and answering tricky questions
Parents and carers will also have the opportunity to:
- Browse books, DVDs and other resources
- Find referrals to relevant services
- Ask questions of experienced trainers
- Meet other parents and carers in your community
This forum won a 2017 NSW Disability Innovation Award in the category 'Innovation in improving outcomes for children and young people'.
Who are the forums for?
Parents, foster parents, relatives and other unpaid carers of people with intellectual disability are welcome.
This forum is not intended for service providers. Please visit our website for information regarding professional education and training.
We regret we are unable to provide respite/childcare.
Upcoming events
Port Macquarie – Parent and Carers workshop
Date: Thursday 27th February 2020
EVENING workshop: 6pm – 8pm
Location: The Westport Club - 25 Buller St. Port Macquarie
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
Register here
Flyer
Ashfield – Extended Parent and Carers workshop with Liz Dore
Date: Saturday 29th February 2020
MORNING workshop: 10am – 1:30pm (light lunch provided)
Venue: Family Planning NSW - 328-336 Liverpool Road Ashfield
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Inner West Council
Register here
Flyer
Maitland – Parent and Carers workshop
Date: Wednesday 11th March 2020
MORNING workshop: 10am – 12pm
EVENING workshop: 6pm – 8pm
Location: Mercure Monte Pio - New England Hwy & Dwyer St, Maitland NSW 2320
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Hunter New England Local Health District
Register here
Flyer
Lithgow – Extended Parent and Carers workshop with Liz Dore
Date: Thursday 26th March 2020
MORNING workshop: 10am – 1:30pm (light lunch will be provided)
Location: Lithgow Information & Neighbourhood Centre, 1 Padley St, Lithgow NSW 2790
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District
Register here
Flyer
Coffs Harbour – Parent and Carers workshop
Date: Wednesday 1st April 2020
MORNING workshop: 10am – 12pm
EVENING workshop: 6pm – 8pm
Location:C.ex Coffs - 2-6 Vernon St. Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation
Register here
Flyer
Tamworth – Parent and Carers workshop
Date: Thursday 14th May 2020
MORNING workshop: 10am – 12pm
EVENING workshop: 6pm – 8pm
Location: West Tamworth League Club - 58 Phillip St, Tamworth West NSW 2340
Cost: Free. This workshop is fully funded by the Hunter New England Local Health District
Register here
Flyer
More Information
For more information or to express your interest, contact:
Health Promotion
T: 02 8752 4388
F: 02 8752 4396
E: healthpromotion@fpnsw.org.au
Resources
Your Child's Growing Sexuality: a guide for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability
Parents play a very important role in their child's sexuality education. Your Child's Growing Sexuality is a guide for parents and carers to support their child's sexuality education as they grow and develop. It provides information on the importance of sexuality education, when to introduce new topics, strategies for talking about and supporting a child to learn sexuality information and frequently asked questions.Downloads
Presenter PowerPoint slides from past forums are now available to download below:
