Reviews
'You, Your Body and Sex: the DVD has been produced by Life Support Productions and uses animated characters, Kylie and Jason and some of their friends, to guide the viewer with a learning disability through topics including personal hygiene, keeping well (e.g. who to tell should you notice anything unusual), growing up and puberty, periods, pre-menstrual tension, masturbation, loneliness, meeting someone new, appropriate touch, love and sex (mentioning that this can be with some of a different sex or the same sex), consenting to sex and how to say ‘no’, how to respond to unwanted attention and obtaining and using condoms.
Each topic is addressed twice, from a female and male perspective. The language used is simple and repetitive, whilst the graphics are modern and with enough detail to be interesting but not distracting. This impressive resource has been carefully and considerately produced.
Mandy Wood
Sexuality and Relationship Education for people with Down Syndrome (Down Syndrome news and update Volume 4 issue 2 December 2004)
'It has now been established that people with intellectual disability and other learning difficulties have sexual needs akin to those of the general community. It is also well accepted that they have the right to be fully informed about their sexuality and to have the opportunity to express their sexual and intimacy needs. However, rights are always accompanied by responsibilities - responsibility to themselves in terms of health and well-being and responsibility to others in terms of privacy and respect. It is incumbent on carers and other service providers to ensure that sexual expression occurs in an environment where safety, responsibility and respect for others are paramount. Although sexuality is commonly addressed in educational and rehabilitation programs, and a number of good resources are available, there is always a need for further educational materials. A new DVD by Life Support Productions entitled You, Your Body and Sex is a worthwhile addition to available resources.
According to the authors, this DVD is for use by people with learning difficulties in support of general sex-education. Following an introduction (1), the DVD is divided into sections, each covering a different aspect of sex education. The specific topics covered are: (2) growing up (3) periods (4) masturbation (5) keeping clean (6) relationships, love and affection (7) loneliness (8) consent and meeting someone (9) safer sex (10) condoms (11) consent and saying no (12) sex and people’s attitudes.
The content and format of this DVD has been developed with attention to the special characteristics of people with learning difficulties. The material is presented in plain English from the perspective of its two characters, Kylie and Jason. Through the menu, the individual viewing the DVD is able to select the gender relevant version of the material. Each section is brief, yet tackles the essential features of the topic under consideration. The verbal text is accompanied by animated images that clearly demonstrate the behavior being described. These images are appropriately explicit. After each section is presented, the viewer returns to the menu, thus enabling immediate review of the topic or selection of a new topic. This capacity to readily locate topics and to repeat their presentation as many times as required is a clear advantage of this DVD technology over other formats.
The curriculum generally covered in sex education programs is extended in this DVD to include topics such as the importance of self-examination, monitoring of the menstrual cycle, premenstrual tension and the need to rinse soap off genital areas. Individual differences are emphasized throughout the topics and particularly with respect to appearance, experience, sexual preference and other choices. It is also appropriate that frequent reference is given to the importance of seeking advice if there are any causes for concern. A scenario where Jason handles being approached by a male stranger on the train is particularly relevant, as are the sections involving the recognition of loneliness and of other people’s attitudes about sex.
People with learning difficulties often have deficits in their ability to interpret social cues. Although they may understand aspects of consent, it is often difficult for them to fully appreciate consent from the perspective of both the individual who seeks consent as well as the person from whom it is sought. Another positive feature of this DVD is that it gives consideration to both components ie. how to seek consent and respond if it is not obtained, as well as how to communicate that you are not wanting to participate in a particular activity or in further contact with someone who makes an approach.
This DVD would be most relevant for use in preparation for, or coinciding with, the emergent sexual development of adolescents or young adults with learning difficulties – particularly individuals with mental retardation (intellectual disability) in the mild-moderate range. Further potential target audiences could be individuals with high functioning autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, and perhaps also individuals with head injuries. It would not be appropriate for individuals with severe intellectual impairment. Although it could be viewed independently by people with learning difficulties, it is my opinion that it is better suited for use through an experienced facilitator and in the context of a broader educational program. In this way, the presentation can be individualized, understanding of material can be monitored and any misunderstandings or particular sensitivities can be addressed.
The DVD and the accompanying booklet include a list of useful contacts. Of course these are all UK based. Although www addresses may be useful for sourcing other materials, international users of this DVD would need to develop a localized list of resources. In conclusion, this DVD is a very useful addition to sex education resources for individuals with learning difficulties. Providing that it is presented in the context of a broader sex education program and access to experienced professionals, I believe that it has much to recommend it.
Jane McGillivray
Sexual and Relationship Therapy
(Journal of the British Association for Sexual and Relationship Therapy - Volume 18 Number 4 Nov 2003)
This is a genuinely useful example of new technologies being put to the best use. Where the previous video was the best in its class, this resource builds on that. Key features which were appreciated by both workers and young people were the creative design, ease of use and particularly the fact that this format allows the user to work quickly round to find the subjects of most interest.
Young people found it entertaining and fun and appreciated the interactive aspect of being able to control what they viewed. Workers similarly found it useful to be able to quickly look at a particular topic and involve the group. Like the video, we all felt that although designed with young people with learning difficulties or special needs in mind, the DVD was accessible and fun for all. Like the video, this was found to be the most popular resource and to deal with sexual health topics in an interesting, fun and educational way. Everyone found it easy to use, well designed & non-threatening.
This resource represents an excellent new aid for those working with all types of young people in the field of relationships, self esteem and sexual health. Young people love the hi-tech aspect - workers loved the quality information and presentation. We would strongly recommend this resource for other teams in the field.
Morag Reid
Outreach & Education Manager
Wirral Brook
One of the many great things about this resource is that it is easy to use again and again to reassure and reinforce the learning. It is also not just about sex, the issues about why it is good to look after yourself are covered well.
Each section has a brief written preview so the viewer knows what to expect and can easily explain to someone they are assisting what is about to be shown. You can then select the gender specific information male (Jason) or female (Kylie). I find this feature extremely useful and informative as it can help and be used to broaden peoples understanding of issues that affect the opposite sex. This is something many of us rarely get good and reliable information upon and is invaluable to teaching young and older people about issues that it is sometimes hard to confront.
Privacy and the need to let some people know that you are having sex, where to get advice and the importance of enjoying it are carefully emphasised as is respecting each other and only having sex if you both want to. The messages of consent and knowing when to walk away and not harass or be harassed are explained and reinforced through all the sections of the DVD.
I found it refreshing and more importantly reassuring in its clear and no nonsense approach skillfully reinforcing important messages concerning a person's rights to protect themselves and how to reinforce this when being persistently bothered or harassed. These are vital lessons at every age and even more important when roles and the power of the many differing relationships vulnerable people have in trying to carry on an independent lifestyle.
I commend this DVD to all people who work in areas that involve intimate care and advice, a worthwhile resource for any parent as well.
Chris Brown
Representations and Complaints Officer,
The Children's Society.
You, Your Body and Sex is 
featured on the Curriculum Online site and can be purchased using eLCs (electronic learning credits).
This video covers your body, masturbation, use of condoms and most importantly that sex is a private activity and that it is something you only do if you want to. You can say no and you can say yes. The video is in a computer animated format and uses very clear images as well as words. It is well paced and so does not overwhelm the viewer with too much information. It is an excellent resource for work with people with learning difficulties on sexuality and relationships.
Family Planning Association
These well-paced, computer animated trigger videos aim to help young people and adults with learning difficulties understand and cope with major sexual issues. Presented in a clear, frank and informative manner with lots of repetition, the language used is simple and easy to follow. Support materials include viewing notes and resource list.
Dorothy Porter Writer/Consultant