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    • Common concerns
      • Feeding
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      • Screen Time
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      • Toilet Training
    • Developmental Concerns
      • Autism
      • ADHD
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      • Behaviour Concerns
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  • Common concerns
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    • Milestones
    • Parenting
    • Play
    • School Readiness
    • Screen Time
    • Sexuality
    • Sleep
    • Speech and Language
    • Toilet Training
  • Developmental Concerns
    • Autism
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GETCHILDGOING

Sexuality

Normal Development

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

Anticipatory Guidance

Birth to 4 years – touch and explore genitals, likes to be naked interested in others bodies, learns differences in genitals/gender.

5 – 8 years- asks questions about birth, relationships, Doctor / pretend play- explores another child’s body part, learns more about privacy, enjoys masturbation.

9-12 years– masturbates in privacy, develops attraction and media usage, more curiosity on sexuality.

Teenagers – may have sexual experience, decision making, privacy.

Anticipatory Guidance

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

Anticipatory Guidance

·  Teach correct body parts, what is good and bad touch and privacy. 

·  Teach yes / no, correct model behaviour/ asking consent, not to use force.

·  Be honest, teach them- use ever window of opportunity.

·  Encourage questions, don’t attach shame to body parts.

·  Listen and clear doubts, don’t stay silent and increase curiosity.

·  Ensure clear rules and values are taught. 

·  Use books, videos (mentioned in resources).

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

·  Respect their privacy and independence like peers of their age rather than being over protective and hindering their learning process. They need independence like typically growing peers and safety to be taught to prevent abuse 

·  Teach them to bath and toilet independently. This enables the development of consent, privacy. 

·  Sexuality concepts have to be concrete (as a matter of fact) and simple, don’t use abstract thoughts.

·  The key to teach is repetition.

·  Once they get a hang of the current topic, move to the next concept.

·  Use stories, pictures, play to teach.

·  Sensory  issues related to shaving, sanitary napkins have to be taken to consideration.

What Is Necessary To Teach?

What Is Necessary To Teach?

Issues In Children With Developmental Delays, Autism, Downs.

Body parts -based on developmental age, go backwards and start teaching to current level. 


Privacy 

Private and public - what’re what activities can be done.

Safety- family, friends, society/doctors, strangers. 

Never to allow bad touch. What is the expected level of closeness with each of these people.

Hygiene- for females during mensuration, shaving genitals, erection and wet dreams.

Then come to reproductive body functions. 

Consult Doctor

What Is Necessary To Teach?

Consult Doctor

·  If child is not prepared for self hygiene or understanding safety issues, consider postponing menstrual cycle.

·  Please teach concepts much before they need to use it, discuss with paediatrician/developmental team. Start early.


Red Flags

·  Sexualised play.

·  Masturbation affecting life.

·  Not respecting privacy and boundaries. 

·  If media posting/viewing or behavior is sexually inappropriate.


Any time child safety is concern, seek help. Child help line 1098.

Resources

What Is Necessary To Teach?

Consult Doctor

Amaze.org has lots of free  animated videos ( junior- safety, body parts and puberty-boys and girls)

Nimhans child psychiatry- Which secret to keep. 

Nimhans child sexual abuse prevention and personal safety.


Email us at getchildgoing@gmail.com for any questions.


Disclaimer: The information provided on this website does not constitute medical advice and should not be construed as such. Treatment may be individualised based on the needs of your child. Kindly consult a doctor.