Young children (0-6 years) who have a learning disability or developmental delay usually experience sexual development and display sexual behaviour in similar ways to other children (Raising Children Network, 2025).
As children with a learning disability or developmental delay get older, they may experience sexual development differently to other children. This can sometimes lead to additional challenges for them (Holland-Hall and Quint, 2017). It’s important to think about a child’s sexual behaviour in terms of their developmental age, rather than their age in years.
Risk and vulnerability factors
Some children and young people who have a learning disability or developmental delay may find it difficult to understand and manage the changes that happen during sexual development. Due to a range of factors, they may display sexual behaviour that is considered inappropriate or problematic.
Education and information
A lack of accessible sex and relationships education and information may mean that children find it hard to understand the physical changes happening to them. It could also impact understanding of what a healthy relationship looks like.
Public and private behaviour
Some children might not understand or not have been taught the difference between public and private behaviours.
For some children with sensory-seeking needs, this may result in them touching or rubbing parts of their body such as their genitals in settings where this is considered inappropriate.
(McNeish and Scott, 2023; Raising Children Network, [2026]).
Emotions and communication
Children with a learning disability or developmental delay may find it difficult to manage their emotions. Any communication barriers children experience may mean that they also find it hard to express their emotions. Difficulty managing and expressing emotions can make it harder to understand and control sexual urges (Raising Children Network, [2026]).
A literal understanding of language or a lack of understanding of social nuances can also result in children not fully understanding how their actions may affect others and what other people may be thinking or feeling.
Relationships and boundaries
Struggles with social skills or relationships with peers their own age might result in a lack of understanding around sexual behaviour or social norms.
A lack of opportunity for relationships may mean that children have less experience and understanding of boundaries and what sexual behaviours are appropriate.
(IICSA, 2022; McNeish and Scott, 2023; Raising Children Network, [2026]).
> Learn more about problematic sexual behaviour
Responding to sexual behaviour
Professionals working with children who have a learning disability or developmental delay should be aware of their additional needs and challenges around sexual behaviour.
Sex and relationships education should be tailored to the specific needs of the child.
> See our Talk Relationships resources
Professionals need to listen to, support and communicate with children about sexual development and behaviour in a non-judgemental way that they can understand. Professionals should use children’s preferred communication tools to explore the topic.
> Find out more about helping children who have a learning disability navigate puberty and sexual development
Professionals also need to be aware that children and young people who have a learning disability or developmental delay can also be more at risk from sexual abuse and exploitation. People who sexually abuse children may target them because they see them as more vulnerable (IICSA, 2022).
> Learn more about safeguarding children who have disabilities
> Find out more about safeguarding children with SEND