Sex education is needed for improved mental and physical health and is a vital part of education for young people. However, sex education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities is largely absent in China. We conducted a survey among 51 special education teachers who worked with students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to explore their knowledge level of sexual and reproductive health, as well as their beliefs and experiences regarding sex education. Results indicated a high knowledge level among teachers and a strong belief in the necessity of sex education. The scarcity of school-based sex education was also reflected in the experiences of special education teachers. The implications for breaking the silence around sex, developing comprehensive school-based sex education, and establishing teacher preparation and training systems in terms of sex education for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities are discussed.
Pan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.