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Sex and sexuality in young adults with TSC

Adolescence is a time of growth and change – physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially. It can be a difficult and challenging time for all young people, but can be especially challenging for young people with TSC. Puberty and sexual development is an important milestone for adolescents, but it’s also a topic parents and carers can find it difficult to have conversations about. Young people need accurate information to help them navigate sexual development and relationships responsibly and safely.

On this page you will find:

  • TSA’s Zoom education event, in which Dr Elizabeth Thompson talks frankly about sex, sexuality and managing the transition into adulthood as a TSC-affected individual (both the video and presentation slides are available).
  • Recommended sources of further information.

This information is relevant for young adults and their family members.

Please note: The opinions expressed are those of the presenter(s) and are not an official pronouncement of TSA.  Please consult your health care professional before taking any action based on the information provided.

Further resources on sex and sexuality

ReachOut is the most accessed online mental health service for young people and their parents in Australia. The free information available at ReachOut Parents is evidence-based and underpinned by evaluation and research. You will find fact sheets, stories, practical tips and tools covering a range of topics, issues and experiences that are relevant to teenagers aged 12-18 years. There is also a parent forum where you can talk to other parents about your experiences and work through your concerns in a safe, anonymous environment.

The Raising Children Network website provides reliable and scientifically validated information and resources that can help parents with the day-to-day decisions of raising children and looking after their own needs.

bodytalk.org.au/ is designed to explore the human body and reproductive systems and to find out how it all works.

https://mycarespace.com.au/resources/sex-and-the-ndis-funding  is Australia’s largest national directory of Disability Services and NDIS information resources.

Touching Base is a charitable organisation based in Sydney, which offers information for people with a disability and their carers on how to access the sex industry and a referral list of disability-friendly sex service providers in Australia.

Love on the Spectrum is an ABC TV series about young adults with ASD dating.

Many people and services can help you with support and information – in person, online or on the phone. Some of these include:

If you need to get help:

  • you can seek help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, counsellor or GP
  • your child can also talk with a school counsellor
  • Kids Helpline – Teens is a free and confidential 24-hour counselling service for young people. Your child can talk to someone on the phone by calling 1800 551 800. Your child can also get counselling by email or online
  • 1800 Respect (1800 737 732) is a 24-hour, 7 day per week national sexual assault and domestic violence counselling helpline

Resources

ASD and ADHD
Financial supports
Getting the most out of a visit to your GP
Identifying emerging challenging behaviours
In Safe Hands: An introductory guide to TSC for teachers and educators
In Safe Hands: How to be a good advocate for your child with TSC at school
Life expectancy of people living with TSC
Mindfulness
New diagnosis parachute packs
Neurodevelopmental disorders in children
Reach Out
Sex and sexuality in young people with TSC
Sleep issues in children with TSC
Transitioning from child to adult care
TSA updates
Tubee children’s picture book about TSC
Useful organisations and contacts
Using Facebook
Video library