Reducing barriers to sex education for adults with mental retardation.

Techniques were identified that staff of agencies serving adults or adolescents with mental retardation perceived would enable them to provide systematic sex education and counseling. Through the use of a structured interview process, we obtained opinions of professionals from 16 agencies. On the basis of these interviews and a thorough review of related literature, we made recommendations aimed at increasing professionals' ability to provide systematic sex education and counseling for individuals with mental retardation. Suggestions for further study were presented.