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Many parents feel uncomfortable thinking about their adult children being sexually active. But we know that adults with intellectual disability have sexual feelings just like anyone else, and many have consensual sexual encounters or relationships. Unfortunately, people with disability also face a higher risk of sexual abuse than the general population.
It’s important to talk about cervical screening with the person you support. This is even if you’re not sure whether they have been sexually active, or they don’t wish to tell you.
It’s also a good idea to make time for the person to speak privately with a doctor or nurse if they choose to.
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Talking about cervical screening doesn’t have to be awkward! It’s an important part of looking after their body and could even save their life.
You could watch the Screen Me! film together and talk about the choices each character made. You can also use Easy Read or illustrated resources as a starting point for conversations.
Remember, we all have a right to be involved in decisions about our own health. This includes making choices about preventive healthcare like cervical screening.
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Generally, no. Cervical screening is a personal examination and should only be done by a healthcare provider such as a doctor or nurse, or by the person themself.
If a person with disability has asked for your help, you can help them make their cervical screening appointment. You can do this at a:
- general practice (GP)
- family planning clinic
- Aboriginal Health Service.
You can also offer to go with them as a support person. If the person chooses to self-collect their test and the healthcare provider agrees, you may be able to go with them into the screening space.
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Ask them what they would find most helpful! They might want support with things like:
- making the appointment and telling the staff about their disability
- offering encouragement or comfort before, during and after the appointment
- understanding information and instructions from the healthcare provider
- considering their choices and making decisions
- communicating with the doctor or nurse
- reminding the doctor or nurse about their reasonable adjustments.
The doctor or nurse might ask you to leave the room for a few minutes. This is so they can:
- confirm that the person with disability wants you there as a support person
- check if there’s anything the person with disability wants to discuss in private.
Even if you have the best of intentions, unless you are legally appointed as a substitute decision-maker, you shouldn’t speak or make decisions on behalf of the person.
This information has been provided by Daffodil Centre and the Centre for Disability Studies.