Sexual development and sexual behaviour: teenagers with disability 15-17 years
A guide to help professionals support parents and carers to understand sexual development in teens with disability aged 15-17, including how disability may shape experiences and support needs.
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Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
Published on 2025
How this resource can help
Use this resource to
Understand expected sexual development, behaviours, expression and interest in teenagers with disability aged 15-17
Share with parents and carers to build their understanding
Support parents and carers to have conversations with their child about sex, relationships, consent and exposure to sexual content, and adapt these conversations to meet their child's individual needs
Identify when additional support may be helpful (for more, see supporting safety after PHSB)
It covers
Common sexual behaviours at this developmental stage (age 15-17)
How disability may influence a teenager's experiences of sexual development, sexual expression and sexual interest
Practical ways to respond to young people's questions and behaviours and use these as opportunities for learning
Factors that may contribute to problematic or harmful sexual behaviours in some teens with disability
When and how parents and carers can seek additional support or professional advice
Open this resource
Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab
If you are a parent or carer
You’re in the right place! This is a guide written for you – it explains what’s developmentally expected, how to talk with your child and when to seek support. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Last reviewed by Together We Can: 23 July 2026
What is problematic and harmful sexual behaviour
Problematic and harmful sexual behaviour affects children, families, and communities. Understanding it clearly is the first step toward effective prevention, recognition, and response.
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Parents and carers
If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.
Children and young people
It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.