ABSTRACT
In this chapter we discover the impact on parents following the news and birth of a physically challenged baby. We see how Julie and Sam cope with significant loss from the outset, which leads to profound gains over time. We look at the sexual development and challenges for the young person who has a physical or learning disability from birth or from an acquired disability due to trauma through to disruptive medical conditions later in life and the impact on those wanting to help. We meet Mo, whose speech due to his cerebral palsy was slow and difficult to understand, and Lisa, whose contorted body in a wheelchair led to mistaken assumptions. The cases of Terry and Steph and Marion illustrate how acquired disabilities can affect intimate relationships. We end the chapter with a group of learning-challenged young people and their heart-warming attempts to find romantic relationships.
We have discussed the impact of loss of hopes and dreams for the future relating to infertility, miscarriages and stillbirth, but what about the sense of loss when a physically atypical baby is delivered? In managing such a difficult situation sex and intimacy between the couple are often put to one side. The emotional and practical challenges under these circumstances can seem endless, and sexual relationships may have to take second place for a time before being addressed at a later date.
