This video by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) looks at:
- private space
- secrets
- online safety
- safe people
- changing feelings
- different kinds of love
- consent.
Relationships
Building healthy relationships
There is no reason why you as a young person with SEND should not be able to form relationships, from making friends to finding love.
Many young people with learning disabilities want:
- 👥 Friends
- 🤝 Good relationships
- 😊 People who care about them
- 🌈 To feel included
To date and marry
As a young person with SEND, you may need extra help to make friends and build relationships.
💡 How support can help you
With the right support, you can:
- 🌟 Learn what makes a kind, safe relationship
- 😊 Build confidence
- 🛟 Understand boundaries and staying safe
- 🧡 Feel valued and included
- 🌍 Take part in your community
Many charities and organisations have created some great resources which will help you get the skills and understanding you need to develop the relationships you want.
This video by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) looks at:
- private space
- secrets
- online safety
- safe people
- changing feelings
- different kinds of love
- consent.
The Autism Advocate has created some guides for autistic young people who may like to get into an intimate relationship.
Download the guide here: An Autistic Guide to Healthy Relationships
Download the easy-read guide here: An easy-read Autistic Guide to Healthy Relationships
The Autism Advocate has created some guides for autistic young people who may like to get into an intimate relationship.
Download the guide here: An Autistic Guide to Healthy Relationships
Download the easy-read guide here: An easy-read Autistic Guide to Healthy Relationships
Ambitious About Autism has created an interactive PDF that can help you understand intermate relationships better.
Sex Education Matters, Relationships and and Intimacy Resource
Ambitious About Autism has created an interactive PDF that can help you understand intermate relationships better.
Sex Education Matters, Relationships and and Intimacy Resource
Mencap has a guide, including Easy Read resources on sex and intimacy for young people with learning difficulties.
Mencap has a guide, including Easy Read resources on sex and intimacy for young people with learning difficulties.
The world of dating can be difficult to navigate for anyone. It's fine to take it slowly, get out there, make friends and just see what happens.
Tell people you meet online up front about your disability - there is nothing to be ashamed of. People may want to ask you questions so they understand how your disability effects you. Be patient, lots of people have never spent time with someone with additional needs or a disability and may need to learn how to interact with you.
If you do decide to use online dating platforms, Click uses group video chat (Zoom) to deliver interesting and stimulating sessions that offer structure, meaningful activity and connection for people who experience social isolation. The service is for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, who are over the age of 16.
Click community for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Some other sites that help people with additional needs meet each other
Luv2meetU will help you get out and about and try new things and visit different places. It’ll give you the chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop relationships if you choose.
Love4Life helps autistic people and people with a learning disability make social connections. We create safe, supported spaces where friendships can happen naturally.
Dating4Disabled is a leading disabled singles dating service and social networking platform, designed especially for people interested in dating disability topics and real connections.
Be careful with online dating. People are not always who they say they are online. Never meet up with anyone you have met online alone.
The world of dating can be difficult to navigate for anyone. It's fine to take it slowly, get out there, make friends and just see what happens.
Tell people you meet online up front about your disability - there is nothing to be ashamed of. People may want to ask you questions so they understand how your disability effects you. Be patient, lots of people have never spent time with someone with additional needs or a disability and may need to learn how to interact with you.
If you do decide to use online dating platforms, Click uses group video chat (Zoom) to deliver interesting and stimulating sessions that offer structure, meaningful activity and connection for people who experience social isolation. The service is for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults, who are over the age of 16.
Click community for adults with learning disabilities and autistic adults
Some other sites that help people with additional needs meet each other
Luv2meetU will help you get out and about and try new things and visit different places. It’ll give you the chance to meet new people, make friends, and develop relationships if you choose.
Love4Life helps autistic people and people with a learning disability make social connections. We create safe, supported spaces where friendships can happen naturally.
Dating4Disabled is a leading disabled singles dating service and social networking platform, designed especially for people interested in dating disability topics and real connections.
Be careful with online dating. People are not always who they say they are online. Never meet up with anyone you have met online alone.