Factsheet

Masturbation - Support Notes (Disability Factsheet)

Date   22 February 2006

When people with intellectual disabilities masturbate, many carers and service providers perceive it as a problem rather than a normal, healthy activity.

Some facts about masturbation:

• Most men and women masturbate.
• Masturbation is a normal part of sexual development and expression.
• Masturbation can relieve frustration and tension and provide pleasure and relaxation.
• People with intellectual disabilities do not usually masturbate more than others, but they may need to be taught the right time and place.
• People are not abnormal if they do not masturbate.
• Masturbation may be the only sexual expression that a person will ever enjoy.

What he/she should know:

• It is normal to masturbate.
• To Masturbate in a private place and not in front of others.
• To clean and tidy themselves afterwards.
• How to masturbate.
• What happens to them when they masturbate.

How can you help?

• Try to be positive and helpful - make sure your message is clear.
• Help them understand the concept of 'private place'.
• Don't speak as if they are doing something wrong.
• Explain the sexual parts of the body.
• Use pictures or drawings to help explain masturbation.
• Be patient and be prepared to repeat the information.
• Remember there may be other reason for touching or rubbing such as tight clothing, poor hygiene, infection or injury, boredom or loneliness.

Why should we talk about masturbation?

Some people think masturbation shouldn't be talked about, perhaps because they are embarrassed. It may also be because they fear the more it is talked about, the more an individual with an intellectual disability will masturbate.

However, talking about masturbation is important:

• it encourages safe and non-judgmental environments in which people can explore their sexuality;
• it acknowledges that people have the need and the right to sexuality information and education;
• it supports people to engage in safe practices when masturbating; and
• it breaks down myths which keep people disadvantaged.

People with intellectual disabilities need education and training to support them to masturbate in a positive and fulfilling way. They should also know when and where to masturbate, who they can talk about it and in what circumstance it is appropriate to do that.

Reference:

About Masturbation for Males/ Family Planning NSW
About Masturbation for Females/ Family Planning NSW

For further information

Contact the Healthline on 1300 658 886.