Intersectionality and adolescent medicine: an overview.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review defines intersectionality, discusses recent studies that use an intersectional framework in adolescent health research, and outlines ways where clinicians can use intersectionality to address health disparities in youth of color through clinical practice, research, and advocacy. RECENT FINDINGS: Research using an intersectional framework can identify populations at risk for certain disorders or behaviors. Recent studies in adolescent health research using an intersectional lens identified lesbian girls of color as an at-risk population for e-cigarette use, demonstrated lower skin color satisfaction among Black girls of all ages predicted greater binge-eating disorder symptoms, and showed that two-thirds of Latine (gender-neutral term that refers to people with Latin American roots) youth who recently immigrated to the United States experienced at least one traumatic event during their migration journey, putting them at risk for PTSD and other mental health disorders. SUMMARY: Intersectionality refers to how multiple social identities intersect to produce a specific experience that reflects overlapping systems of oppression. Diverse youth contain multiple identities that intersect to produce unique experiences and health inequities. Using an intersectional framework acknowledges that youth of color are not homogenous. Intersectionality becomes an important tool to care for marginalized youth and advance health equity.

Addressing sexual and reproductive health in adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides support for promoting the sexual health of adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities, and particularly those with intellectual disabilities. It offers guidance for pediatricians on incorporating counseling on sexuality and reproductive healthcare, socially appropriate behavior, and sexual abuse prevention for adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities into healthcare visits. Additionally, it provides resources for developmentally appropriate sexuality education in the home and community to allow access to the comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare patients deserve. RECENT FINDINGS: Adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities often do not receive developmentally appropriate sexual health education, and this is associated with poor sexual health outcomes and increased rates of sexual abuse in this population. SUMMARY: Pediatricians should discuss sexual health with all patients, including adolescents and young adults with developmental disabilities. They are well suited to provide sexual health education and inform families about appropriate sexual health resources.