Masturbation, Autism and Learning Disabilities

Intimate self-touch and masturbation can pose many difficulties for people with learning disabilities and/or on the autistic spectrum, particularly when it happens in public settings. This frank and thorough guide looks at societal, cultural and religious views of masturbation, how teens develop into sexual beings, the right to be sexual, how to masturbate, appropriate public and private behaviour, professional responsibilities and boundaries, and legal aspects of this topic. It also contains good practice responses providing examples of the issues and solutions in action.
Mel Gadd runs projects and training on sex and relationships, previously for FPA (Family Planning Association) where more than half of their clients had a learning disability and/or were on the autistic spectrum. She delivers trainings in schools, colleges and community settings. She now runs a social enterprise, Sex Education Company. Mel lives in Wales.