Maeson Linnert
Pronouns: he/him
Research Mentor(s): Courtney Streur
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Department of Urology / Medicine
Program: UROP
Session: Session 2 (10:00am – 10:50am)
Authors:
Abstract
Some adolescents with physical disabilities experience earlier onset puberty compared to those without disabilities. They may also have unique experiences with puberty due to their disability, such as difficulties managing periods. Parents and children often don’t have the resources or the information to learn how to manage their changing bodies. Medical professionals and teachers are not always aware of the developmental differences and are not able to support adolescents and families. Therefore, the goal of this project is to develop a user-centered video-based online sex ed curriculum (intervention) for adolescents with physical disabilities and parents. It will also serve to provide inspiration and other education relevant to adolescents. To this end, we interviewed and live recorded specialists, parents, and athletes to gauge what they would like to see in this type of program. They came to several points of agreement, including topics such as completing hygiene tasks, explaining physical development and managing social relationships online and in person.
