Notes from research into the sexuality and sexual health of adults with learning difficulties

Zara Ferreira
University of Nottingham

Recent studies which look towards the sexuality of people with learning difficulties refer to an apparently growing recognition that they have the same sexual desires, needs and urges as the wider population (Fegan, Rauch and McCarthy, 1993; Aunos and Feldman, 2002; Douglas-Scott, 2003). Whilst such claims are made convincingly in scholarly works, do reported attitudes, practices and experiences bear them out and indicate a society accepting of sexual expression by people with learning difficulties?

One might assume that few today would openly endorse the explicit prohibition of sexual relationships on the part of people with learning difficulties. However, ethical and moral concerns, poorly designed or delivered services, misinformation and parental and/or key worker attitudes may yet be complicit in actually achieving such an end (Wolverson, 2003).

My presentation details a project currently undertaken at the University of Nottingham, the central research objective of which is an exploration of the contemporary nature of normalization, and the impact that use of such a code may have upon sexual health services and the broader sexual lives of people with learning difficulties (Wolfensberger, 1972).

I would aim to present notes from the ongoing research process and pay attention to such topics as my interest in the research area, and my standpoint as a non-disabled researcher working with people with learning difficulties. Discussion will feature details of the research design which was coordinated with a steering group of colleagues with learning difficulties, and problems I have encountered along the way such as gaining access to samples of people with learning difficulties living in Supported Housing and associated staff. Some attention will also be paid to selected data which whilst not analysed in full tells some interesting stories about the experiences and concerns of people with learning difficulties in relation to the accessibility of sexual health services.

References

• Aunos, M. and Feldman, M.A. ( 2002) 'Attitudes towards Sexuality, Sterilization and Parenting Rights of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities', Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 15.
• Douglas-Scott, S. (2004) 'Sexuality and Learning Disability'. In Burtney, E. and Duffy, M. (eds) Young People and Sexual Health: individual, social and policy contexts, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan.
• Fegan, L., Rauch, A. and McCarthy, M. ( 1993) Sexuality and People with Intellectual Disability, Sydney, MacLennan and Petty.
• Wolfensberger, W. (1972) Normalization: The Principles of Normalization in Human Services, Toronto, National Institute on Mental Retardation.
• Wolverson, M. (2003) 'Challenging Behaviour'. In Gates, B. (ed.) Learning Disabilities: Toward Inclusion, London, Churchill Livingston.