Beginning August 26, All About Developmental Disabilities Hosts Fall Workshop Series on Sexuality

ATLANTA - Aug. 18, 2014 - PRLog -- This Fall, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) will host a four-part workshop series on sexuality and developmental disabilities. Parents and adults with developmental disabilities will learn about sexuality, how parents can support their child’s sexual behavior and romantic relationships, and how to handle sex on the Internet and in other media.

The sessions will be from 6 - 8 p.m. on August 26, Sept. 23, Oct. 21 and Nov. 18. All sessions will be held at AADD’s Family Support Center, 125 Clairemont Ave., Suite 300, Decatur, GA 30030. Cost is $10 per session.

“All About Developmental Disabilities developed this series because individuals with developmental disabilities need to know the facts of life, just like other young adults,” says Kathy Keeley, AADD’s executive director. “It can be hard enough for any parent to address sexuality with their children. It becomes even more challenging when the child has a developmental disability.  We want to make sure parents and young adults have the information they need.”

More About the Series:

●      Parents often avoid the sexuality conversation with their adolescents. It isn’t any different for parents of preteens, teens and young adults with developmental disabilities.

●    Parents may feel uncomfortable talking about sexuality, so they keep putting it off. They may mistakenly believe that, because their child has a disability, he or she will not develop sexual desires or feelings.

●      The workshops are designed to allow parents to make sure their kids are getting the information they need in a safe environment.

Series presenters include Madeline Griffin, AADD’s Family Support Center coordinator; Dave Nelson, executive director of The Community School; and Beth Champ, young adult program director of The Community School.

Series Schedule:

●  Aug. 26 - Session One (Parents Only): “Understanding Sexual Development and Healthy Sexual Functioning.”

●     Sept. 23 - Session Two (Parents and young adults with developmental disabilities): “Managing and Supporting Your Child’s Sexual Behavior.” Includes how to talk to your child about sex.

●  Oct. 21 - Session Three (Parents Only): “Supporting Romantic Relationships.” Includes a discussion about birth control options.

●   Nov. 18 - Session Four (Parents and Young Adults together). “The Challenge of Handling Sex on the Internet, Video Games, and in Other Media; A Discussion with Parents and Young Adults Together.”

For more information or to register, please contact Family Support Center Coordinator Madeline Griffin at 404-881-9777, email at madeline@aadd.org, or go online at www.aadd.org.

About All About Developmental Disabilities

Founded in 1956, All About Developmental Disabilities (AADD) is an Atlanta-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing support, advocacy and training opportunities for individuals and families living with developmental disabilities. Developmental disabilities are defined as severe chronic disabilities that limit three or more critical functional abilities.  Examples include Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, autism disorders, fetal alcohol disorders and intellectual disabilities.  These disabilities often manifest early in life (before age 22) and last a lifetime.

Georgia relies on a disjointed system of services and support that cannot be sustained long-term.  Economic uncertainties are reducing funding support, even as the number of people in need increases.  Over 7100 individuals are currently on the waiting list for services. AADD offers a range of services focusing on Family Support, Public Policy and Advocacy and Community Engagement.  For more information, go to www.AADD.org or call us at (404) 881-9777.

Contact: Mitch Leff, mitch@leffassociates.com, (404) 861-4796