Sexual intercourse is not only a physical relationship aimed at reproduction and preservation of gender; it is also an intimate relationship aimed at rapprochement, understanding, and friendliness. Persons with special needs, whether physical or mental, suffer from a societal view that ignores their sexual needs and rights. A baseless stereotype formed in the mind that the sexual development of persons with special needs is different from that of normal people, and therefore their sexual desires differ, and some even place them in the position of non-sexuality. There are already individual differences from person to person as sexual susceptibility differs between normal individuals, but in terms of natural growth and biological ability, normal people are not different from those with special needs.
Enjoying an intimate relationship with both ordinary people and those with special needs has several benefits:
1. improve immune system performance. 2. Improve libido to maintain a better and longer sexual life. 3. Improve bladder control in women. 4. Lower blood pressure. 5. Reduces the risk of heart attacks and relieves pain. 6. Reduces the likelihood of prostate cancer. 7. Sleep improves and relieves stress and anxiety.
Common myths about their sexual behavior The sexuality of people with special needs is full of challenges and difficulties due to society’s false perception of them, and their perception of one group is contrary to the fact that each of them is unique with their own experience and perspective.
One of the most common myths about their sexual behaviour is:
1. Special Needs People Who Are Not Sexually Active In fact, all human beings are sexual regardless of how they express their sexual behaviour. Those with special needs, whether physical or mental, are able to have sex in a variety of ways, but cinema and television establish the belief that people with special needs are people unable to express their feelings or have sex.
2. People with special needs do not have sexual attraction. Society’s misconceptions have entrenched the belief that sex is for young people and beautiful models and not for others, but the fact is that sexuality is based on friendship, love, and understanding and not only a body-shaped physical relationship.
3. Sexual intercourse requires certain methods and is no longer a mistake. It is one of the most widespread superstitions of sex because sexual intercourse has no specific rules but is determined according to each party’s needs and preferences.
4. People with special needs have much more important things than sex to care about. Our gender assessment is different; for some, it is the most important thing in their lives, and for others, it is an insignificant supplementary thing. Those with special needs should not pay attention to these people who say that there are different things other than sex that deserve attention because it is a myth that no one has the right to dictate how you prioritise.
5. Persons with disabilities can only have emotional and physical relationships with people with special challenges like them. Emotional relationships require constant effort from both partners. Whether they have special needs or not, disability does not result in the inability to have positive sexual relationships. Relationships are based primarily on mutual respect. In addition to loving, understanding, and caring for each other’s partners, the fact is that sometimes society looks negatively on someone who wants to engage with someone with a disability. They try to marry each other with special needs, but there is no need to do so if each side is receptive to the other’s lifestyle, understands each other’s feelings, and is convinced of its decision.
If you are experiencing a psychological or sexual problem, feel free to communicate with Dr. Mona Reda, a consultant in mental health and marital relations.
