In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Alan Fazakerley, a highly respected expert in psychoeducational support and comprehensive sex education. With over 30 years of experience, Alan discusses his unique approach to supporting children and young people with vulnerabilities, such as autism and acquired brain injuries, using tailored communication tools. The conversation explores the critical need for early, accessible education on healthy relationships and personal boundaries to safeguard vulnerable learners.

Alan challenges the misconceptions surrounding sex education for students with disabilities, emphasizing that withholding information only increases their vulnerability. He provides practical strategies for teaching complex concepts like consent through visual aids and safe/not-safe scenarios. Educators will gain valuable insights into integrating RSE across the curriculum and fostering a school-wide culture of respect and bodily autonomy.

• Challenging the "Perpetual Child" Myth: Parents and educators must overcome the misconception that vulnerable children will not grow up to have sexual feelings or relationships; withholding knowledge "disables" them further.
• Teaching Consent via Safety: Since consent is a complex, shifting concept, it is often more effective to teach vulnerable learners to distinguish between "safe" and "not safe" situations.
• Adapting Communication Styles: Utilizing visual aids like "green thumbs up" and "red thumbs down" allows non-verbal students or those with cognitive challenges to effectively communicate boundaries.
• Intimate Care as a Learning Opportunity: Routine personal care should be used as a practical time to teach privacy, the right to say "no," and respect for one's own body.
• A Modular Spiral Curriculum: RSE should start early in a non-sexual way—focusing on body parts and privacy at age five—and gradually increase in detail as students reach puberty.
• Whole-School Integration: Rather than being an isolated subject, relationship education should be woven into all areas, from math to sports, to normalize conversations and reduce shame.

00:01 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces Alan Fazakerley and his background in psychoeducational support.

01:20 - Alan’s Journey - The history of Alan's independent work in sex education since the 1990s.

03:33 - Defining Vulnerability - Discussion on communication as the common denominator across various disabilities.

04:33 - Major Misconceptions - Addressing the negative messages and lack of aspirations often given to parents of children with disabilities.

06:20 - Teaching Consent - Why consent is the hardest concept to teach and how to simplify it for safeguarding.

10:00 - Visual Communication Tools - Using symbols and "thumbs up/down" to support non-verbal communication.

14:04 - Privacy and Intimate Care - The importance of teaching bodily autonomy during personal care routines.

16:32 - Assessing Sexualized Behavior - Differentiating between sensory exploration, internet influence, and potential trauma.

19:59 - The Impact of the Internet - Educating vulnerable young people on online risks and predatory interactions.

26:14 - Educator Blind Spots - Overcoming the "fear of the ton of bricks" from parents and building teacher confidence.

32:03 - The Spiral Curriculum - Advice for schools on delivering age-appropriate, continuous RSE.

35:27 - CPD and Specialist Roles - The need for investment in staff training and a whole-school approach.

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