The paper examines the level of knowledge about sexuality of people with mental disabilities. The research also presents differences resulting from sex and the level of mental retardation. The sample included 24 persons with mental disabilities, who the author of this paper knew very well due to the time spent with them during a summer camp at a club in Vjeverica. Data was collected through direct interviews. Two types of questionnaires on sexuality of people with mental disabilities were used during these interviews. Results indicate that the level of knowledge about sexuality is not sufficient. Specifically low knowledge was shown in the area of the protection of sexual health such as sexually transmitted diseases and methods of protection. A relatively good level of knowledge was shown by the respondents in distinguishing between appropriate and inappropriate ways of sexual behaviour and social understanding of certain situational norms. Differences regarding sex and the level of disability were found. The results indicate the need for additional education on sexuality of both people with mental disabilities and their parents, along with support. Despite the fact that the research was conducted on a small occasional sample, it indicates that further research on this subject is needed.

The stigma of disability is manifested through the impossibility of realizing basic human rights, of living life independently and of taking equal part in a local community.

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Ključne riječi: roditeljstvo, dijete s teškoćama u razvoju, socijalna podrška.

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