Survey reveals teens' top source of information on sexuality

Hard to know whether this news is more reassuring or terrifying: A recent survey indicates that teens are looking for information about sex not from their buddies, not from movies or TV shows or music, but from their very own parents. About two-thirds of participants in the survey of 1,100 Canadian teens said Mom and Dad are a "major source of information on sex and sexual health," with 43 percent calling parents their best source of information and 45 percent calling them role models. On the other hand, a quarter of the teens admitted their reluctance to discuss sexual health with the folks, and half said they'd never tried. Parents may feel a similar reluctance to broach the subject, especially with children who have special needs. If you're not sure how or even if you should talk to your special child about sex, Sexuality: Your Sons and Daughters with Intellectual Disabilities, a selection from the Harried Parent's Book Club, can help you find your way through this often awkward issue.