Sexual Health and Disablity

Learning disability

Despite the fact that, in many areas of life, learning-disabled people are provided with much more independence and recognition than in the past, society still frequently takes the view that learning-disabled people do not have any rights when it comes to pursuing sexual relationships.

It is essential, at the very beginning, to recognise and acknowledge that learning-disabled people also experience the needs, feelings and desires associated with developed and active sexuality. It is also essential that this sexuality is given the freedom to express itself, and not be shut away for mistakenly being deemed inappropriate. A learning disability should not prevent any of us from channelling our needs and feelings into means of expression that allows us to get pleasure and enjoyment from intimate relationships.
Education about sex and sexuality has often been completely denied to learning-disabled people. This not only denies the basic right of expression, but creates a number of unnecessary difficulties. Sexual development and the management of feelings that come along with it can be stressful for anyone. If no help is given to understand what is happening, physically and emotionally, then this stress is greatly increased. In addition to this, if the only messages that are given consist of phrases like “don’t do that, it’s bad” or “don’t touch yourself there”, then further confusion and frustration can build up. We should all be given the opportunity to learn about our own bodies and what we like or dislike.

Without good education and support, learning-disabled people can be very vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, or negative consequences of their actions. Understanding our bodies, learning to say no to unwanted contact are essential for us all to be able to protect ourselves. Also this education needs to be consistent in the various settings someone might be, and consistent between different people who might carry out a support role - family, care workers, supported education or employment workers, and counsellors.

Through open acknowledgement of sexuality, and addressing the relevant issues rather than suppressing them, a learning disability need not deny an individual their complete sexual and personal development, or constructing satisfying sexual relationships.