Feedback for story

TheWriter

Hi guys,

I am an aspiring Writer/Director and I'm currently developing a story that touches upon the topic of sexuality as a young disabled boy (muscular dystrophy, in this case) in the UK and his carer that guides him through this journey to help him develop his confidence. Nothing sexual just for the sake of it, but a kind of mentor-mentee relationship where the carer teaches him that he can have a sexual life and find love like anyone else.

I would love to talk to people who have some experience on this matter (doesn't have to be exactly the same condition), as I want to make sure my story is as truthful and respectful as possible.
I appreciate the delicate nature of this topic so please rest assured, everything will be treated with the outmost respect and confidentiality (happy to put this in writing too if you want).

Besides, if you don't feel like sharing any of your personal experience that's totally fine too, perhaps you could just have a look at what I have written and give me some feedback? For example, to what extend would a carer help you with those kind of needs (as in, someone specifically trained to give you some kind of "intimacy training" to build up your confidence)? Would that be frown upon in the UK? Would they put you in touch with someone who provides this kind of services? What would be the role of their family in all this (being a young boy, let's say around 20)?
Answers to these and more questions would definitely help me give this part of the story the right shape.

Alternatively, if you know of anyone, or any organisation, that might be willing to help me with this then please let me know! Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Please feel free to either reply here or send me a PM, whatever works best for you.

Thanks for your time and I wish you a beautiful evening!

surfygoose

20 would not be classed as a young boy. Over 18 would be an adult so unless the person lacked capacity and his parents were the ones that held legal guardianship for him, his parents wouldn’t necessarily have to have any involvement. Of course he could have parental involvement if he wanted by his own choice just like anyone can choose to ask their parent’s support in life. It would not be deemed appropriate for a carer to do any sort of hands on teaching of sexual acts but they can provide pamphlets or books that explain things or signpost to agencies that provide education. If there’s additional needs cognitively then the carer could create or source easy read information or make a personalised social story to answer any questions.
A carer can take someone out and support them on a date. They could help the person find out about local clubs or other places to meet people. They could help the person type up their dating profile for online dating if they have capacity to do this but just need the carer to do the typing for them. The carer could find out about support groups / peer support to get the individual in touch with other people in the same position who may be able to share their own experiences and give advice.
speaking from own experience as person with autism and I’ve had carers take me to friendship clubs, support me to visit my girlfriend, gave me information about my right to say no and how to understand what other people want. Received visual information from staff to explain things like puberty and sex things that I need to know about, but in straightforward and educational format. A carer would not be allowed to supply pornographic material. Obviously the individual if he had capacity could buy his own adult content stuff but it wouldn’t be ok for a carer to start teaching someone about sex by providing that sort of stuff themselves as they are in a position of power. Anything that could seem like sexual contact between carer and person supported or seeming like a carer getting gratification of some sort out of it would be a complete no no.

TheWriter

Thanks @surfygoose, I will consider all this!