ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the reader with an examination of developmental and cultural considerations in the promotion of sexual health among children and adolescents. It also presents a brief overview of child and adolescent sexual health development and age-appropriate sexual health education. Sexual development is commonly associated with onset of puberty, but begins in infancy and early childhood. In later childhood years, puberty begins along with increased youth awareness of privacy and curiosity about physical development. The chapter describes the literature with respect to the sexual health of racial and ethnic minority youth and concomitant recommendations for advocating for and delivering culturally responsive sexual health education. It provides presents an overview of sexual development and recommendations for evidence-based sexual health. The chapter also describes special considerations for individuals with learning issues and diagnosed disabilities, using multitiered systems of support that could be used within a problem-solving framework.
