Improving sexual health education for young people with learning disabilities

Young people with special needs have the same rights as other young people to receive information and education about sexual health issues and to access services. Despite national guidance stating that schools have a duty to ensure that all young people are properly included in sex and relationship education, the provision of such health education to this client group remains inadequate. Comprehensive personal, social and sexual education programmes are needed to enable young people to clarify their values and attitudes, develop self-esteem, self-awareness, recognise and resist peer pressure, develop healthy relationships, recognise and prevent unsafe situations, negotiate and practise safe sex when they are ready to engage in sexual relationships. Wider interventions are also needed, including changing societal attitudes about young people and sexuality, which will enable young people with learning disabilities to develop knowledge and understanding and communicate effectively about sex and relationships.