Sexual well-being is an essential part of human well-being, yet for young disabled people, it remains an area of exclusion, misunderstanding, and limited support, even within social work practice. Across three recent studies, Ami’s research has explored how young disabled people experience and define sexual well-being, the barriers they face, and the role social workers play in supporting (or unintentionally hindering) these experiences.
“Everybody has a Body, so we Need to Talk About Sexual Well-Being”: Young disabled people’s suggestions for sex-positive social work practice (Child & Adolescent Social Work Journal, 2024)
This study centers young disabled people’s recommendations for sex-positive and anti-ableist social work practice. Participants emphasized the need for stronger therapeutic relationships, unlearning ableism, increasing disability representation, and offering accessible, holistic services.
“A lot of social workers don’t seem to understand or realize the harm that they cause”: Disabled young people’s experiences with sexual well-being in social work practice (British Journal of Social Work, 2024)
In this study, young disabled people described risk-averse and dismissive social work practices that deprioritized their sexual well-being, despite its deep connection to their physical, mental, and emotional health. They strongly advocated for social workers to adopt sex-positive perspectives and integrate sexual well-being into their practice.
“I’m worthy of having experiences just like everybody else”: Exploring sexual well-being among young disabled people (Disability & Society, 2025)
This study explored how young disabled people conceptualize sexual well-being, how their definitions have evolved, and the role of internalized ableism and desexualization in shaping their experiences. Participants emphasized the need for anti-ableist education and services that affirm disabled people’s right to sexual well-being.
Why This Matters
Across these studies, young disabled people consistently highlight that sexual well-being is essential to their overall well-being, yet it is often ignored, misunderstood, or treated as a risk to be managed. Social work and broader health and education systems must move toward sex-positive, anti-ableist, and inclusive approaches to better support disabled youth.