Parents Archives - Elevatus Training

Diverse group of self-advocates, parents, and professionals smiling and learning together in an Elevatus Training workshop on understanding your body and sexual anatomy.

Inside and Out: Understanding Your Body – Sexual Anatomy and Medical Terms for People with I/DD

Knowing the correct medical terms for sexual body parts supports bodily autonomy, safety, clear communication, and protection from harm. This article provides accessible guidance for self-advocates, families, and supporters on sexual anatomy, using respectful language and resources tailored for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Read more about: Inside and Out: Understanding Your Body – Sexual Anatomy and Medical Terms for People with I/DD

Diverse group of friends and community members laughing and embracing warmly in a close group hug, representing joyful chosen family and supportive connections.

The Power of Acceptance and Chosen Family for LGBTQ+ People with I/DD

By the end of this article, you will understand why family acceptance matters for LGBTQ+ people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, what to do when families struggle to provide that acceptance, and how to help build a supportive chosen family. Read more about: The Power of Acceptance and Chosen Family for LGBTQ+ People with I/DD

Group of people smiling and talking outside

Let’s Talk: Simple Conversation Tips for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

By the end of this article, you will have simple, practical tools to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities start, continue, and end conversations with greater confidence. Read more about: Let’s Talk: Simple Conversation Tips for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Young woman with Down syndrome discusses healthy relationships with her father at a kitchen table.

3 Steps to Support Children with I/DD to Have Healthy Relationships

Talking with your child about relationships and sexuality can feel intimidating, but staying quiet leaves them without the tools to build healthy ones. This article offers three steps: share positive messages about relationships, discuss what a romantic/sexual relationship is, and share your own values as these conversations come up. Read more about: 3 Steps to Support Children with I/DD to Have Healthy Relationships

Photo showing 2 happy adults with happy young man with I/DD

Tips for Talking About Sexuality — For Parents of Children with I/DD

Many parents need support discussing sexuality with their child who has intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This article provides practical, age-appropriate tips to help initiate conversations, answer questions, and build open communication. Read more about: Tips for Talking About Sexuality — For Parents of Children with I/DD

What the “Sex Talk” Looks Like Now

With summer starting to wind down, many people are getting into the back-to-school mindset. Think back to your health/sex ed class days. What was it like? What messages did you receive? Over the decades, there have been some big shifts in the way we approach sexuality.

I love this clip from Comedy Central’s Alternatino (Youtube). While I do not believe talking with your child about sexuality is just one conversation, this clip is a great example of the generational differences that can pop up when we have conversations about this topic. We have a lot to learn from each other. However, the main message is that we are all sexual beings and have the right to comprehensive, medically accurate, and age-appropriate sexuality education. Read more about: What the “Sex Talk” Looks Like Now

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