The assessment of the sexual knowledge of a person with a severe learning disability and a severe communication disorder

Summary This paper arose as a consequence of joint working between therapists of two different disciplines – clinical psychology and speech and language therapy – on a case involving a young woman who required an assessment of her sexual knowledge and attitudes. It explains how the recent development of a method of communication for those with a severe communication disorder (Talking Mats) has meant that it has become possible to work with those who have a severe learning disability and poor communication. In the past, clients with both severe learning disability with poor communication may have been excluded from traditional and cognitive therapy, which was dependent to a large extent on verbal communication. This paper, therefore, is of value in extending the range of methods for assessment and intervention that may be used by a range of disciplines with people showing severe learning disabilities and severe communication disorder.