Holding on, Letting Go

Sex and sexuality are sensitive, complex issues for parents who have a child with learning disabilities. When that child grows into an adult, these issues become fraught with anxiety. While parents have a duty to protect their child from abuse, that child is also a 'sexual' being, with a right to be so. As a parent, is your need to protect your child's vunerability criticised as over-protectiveness? Should you be holding on, or letting go? This realistic book has been written for parents and carers facing these dilemmas. After defining what they mean by 'sexuality' and 'sex', the authors, who are experienced workers in this field, suggest a number of strategies to enable parents to face their fears, define their hopes and concerns, cope with professionals and find ways of working in partnership with them. They examine the rights and realities of people with learning disabilities as sexual beings: their right to grow up, the right to a dignified and humane environment, and not to be abused. They consider positive ways to enlarge the personal resources of the child and adult with learning disabilities and lessen their vulnerability. Sexuality education programmes are discussed, along with the importance of tailoring these to the individual's needs. This book will help many parents to view the future of their children who have learning disabilities with more confidence, and to empower them to lead the best lives they can. Although aimed particularly at parents, this book will also be of enormous interest to professionals.