Dunno what to say really?

[Natasha&Matt]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...r-trying-help-21-year-old-lose-virginity.html

 

[natalielongstaff]

 

[Goofysmate]

Agree also

 

[poppie123]

 

[Pinky166]

 

[wishspirit]

I am sorry, what is the problem?

I have worked for both Mencap and for other charities for children with learning disabilities and you have to recognise that people with disabilities aren't all the same, some are more able to be in a loving relationship than others. Many Mencap members are in relationships, some have even got married, some have children. Just because they have a diagnosed need, doesn't mean that they can't have feelings just like any other human being.

Otto seems to have a very mild form of Down's Syndrome, which means he can comprehend what a relationship is. Not all people with Down's can do that, and those who can't need to be protected as vulnerable individuals, however if his mother supports him, why shouldn't we?

I am pretty sure the article was meant to provoke a certain reaction by focusing on the physical side of a relationship, rather than what he actually wants. Having a learning disability can be a lonely place, I can understand the want for affection.

Please don't judge everyone with a learning disability by this article, and understand that just because they aren't 'normal' they can't have 'normal' feelings.

 

[T16GEM]

I don't think there is anythong wrong with him wanting a relationship but I think the way his mother is going about it is wrong. JMO though.

 

[Gaynor]

I agree he is entitled to a relationship like any adult, but 'oh my' having your mother control it would be any potential girlfriends nightmare

 

[higgy66]

What stood out as being wrong is the fact he stated he wanted a girlfriend so he could have

I don't think ANY parent should be encouraging that. Yes I agree she should encourage a relationship and then who knows what follows but can we honestly say as parents we would want our kids just to experience "you know what" for the sake of it. (Trying not to get any ***** crossing out the words)

I personally think it's wrong for her to be making out he's missing out on not having when she should be focussing on the relationship part. So she pays for him to visit a woman - then what? I think this would have worse consequences than she's ralises. Sorry - Just my opinion?

 

[Pinky166]

I didn't (& still haven't read the above link) but I saw the story in todays Mirror. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-st...-with-my-down-s-syndrome-son-115875-21203811/

It is portrayed that the mother just wants Otto to have sex & not necessarily a relationship. Everyone, regardless of mental & physical abilities is entitled to have a relationship, children, marriage etc....however I feel that the mum paying for him to go to a prostitute to just have sex is not the right way about it but thats just MHO.

ETA - I would have this opinion on any 21 year old having their mother pay for them to lose their virginity or try to arrange a "girlfriend" for them.

 

[mumloveseeyore]

As the parent of a 16 year old with learning disabilities i would love for him to have relationships and girlfriends but i cant really see that me arranging these sort of services would really help him to develop the understanding and social skills that he would need to develop a succesful relationship.

 

[Morgstar]

I hope(and suspect) that these articles have been heavily edited and the mothers words taken out of context or not in the way she meant them to come out in order to make a better story.

There is nothing wrong with Otto having a loving and caring relationship, i happen to agree with previous poster that very often people like Otto will have a tremendous capacity to be caring and affectionate.
HOWEVER, this is certainly not the way to go about;
1.finding a partner
2.beginning a relationship that allows you to progress to showing physical affection
3.helping your child to live a 'normal' life and experience the things other young men do. Im not sure how many young men lose there virginity to prostitutes?

Like i said initially i hope this is a case of the tabloids looking to sensationalise a story.

Good luck to Otto in finding a nice caring partner who he can enjoy a 'fruitful' relationship with.

 

[florida sun]

Guys, Myself and Mandy have discussed this thread, and have decided to close it, although we always welcome open threads as we are a community board, this we feel falls outside of what we think is suitable discussion for a Disney family board where children can and do frequent, and how hard posts like this are to moderate to ensure it remains family friendly with its replys.


Please can you all think about what news articles you post on here and if you had children what you would want them to be able to read on a Disney forum.

Thank you for your cooperation.


Sue and Mandy
UK Community Board Mods.

 

[hildasmuriel]

...... Everyone, regardless of mental & physical abilities is entitled to have a relationship, children, marriage etc....

I have strong opinions (probably not very popular ones) about people with severe disabilities choosing to become parents. Just thinking of some of the poor kids/carers I saw on Friday's Comic Relief programme gets me quite cross.

But I guess I'll keep that for another day, as I suspect many people will disagree with me.