Many people are often unaware that learning-disabled people experience the same sexual needs, feelings and desires as any other healthy adult. A learning disability should not stop any of us from experiencing the pleasure and enjoyment from intimate relationships.
Education about sex, relationahips and sexuality has often been sketchy to learning-disabled people. If no help is given to understand the physical and emotional changes that occur, this can be a very stressful time Sexual development and the management of feelings that come along with it should be a part of every young adult's education. 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.
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.
