I agree with your first and third sentences, but the idea that someone with an IQ of 70 can’t truly consent to sex is pretty ridiculous. We know nothing about the IQ or abilities of the man who impregnated her. I understand the importance of ensuring that vulnerable people aren't taken advantage of, but I don't see…

Sure, except, as this article says, she wanted to be a mother. Should they have done that against her will?

The article said she wanted to be a mother, though.

Edit: erased my comment because this isn't worth dignifying with a response. My bad.

I’m not saying they can’t do anything about this, but do they really have THAT much influence over casting if they aren’t the directors, casting directors, writers, or producers?

I disagree because I think it’s ridiculous that medical doctors use a special title instead of Mr./Ms./whatever, too. They need to be regarded as different (better?) from other people because they practice medicine?

Yes, I'm sure you're better-looking than Leonardo DiCaprio.

My point clearly was not that FC works, it’s that it is premised on a known fact: that, as you note, it is not possible to accurately assess the mental capacity of people with certain disabilities. I also read the Times magazine article (that’s what I was referring to), and while I believe I agree with you on this…

This was really informative, thanks!

So 17-year-olds can’t consent to sex, either?

That is absolutely not a fact and not what having the mental capacity of a toddler means. I do not think you read the article.

Just learning to communicate is not the same as just learning English. The idea is that some nonverbal people have the mental capacity to communicate at a higher level than their physical abilities allow. That's the entire point of facilitated communication as a concept.

One of the main points of the story is whether or not he truly has the mental capacity of a toddler— obviously no one is thinking that someone who DEFINITELY has the intellectual abilities of a toddler is reading Maya Angelou.

THANK YOU for posting this— I have had maybe a little more exposure to the disability community than most, but certainly not much, so I didn’t know this was a widespread subject of concern. It has always bothered me, though? It just feels disrespectful and likely to be misrepresentative.

“Mental capacity of a toddler” does not mean that he literally has the brain of a toddler. There are SO many adults with disabilities who have the mental capacity of small children who also have libidos and experience romantic and/or sexual attraction to others. I’m not saying that it was possible for her to obtain…

I understand why people aren’t willing to delve into this question, but it’s a significant one for those who work with people with disabilities and even for prosecutors, etc. I’m glad you brought it up. I’m sure not everyone saying “well, HE’S A TODDLER” because this case is related to sexual contact with (or sexual…

This sounds like a really good way to become that asshole coworker who thinks they’re too good for someone’s crappy birthday cake.

I'm glad it worked for someone! When I tried it, they told me it wouldn't work because I have freckles (?????)

Those are the New Yorkers!

It’s awesome that you don’t want your son to be in unequal relationships, but as someone who was like his girlfriend when I was her age, I would have been absolutely mortified, and I’m not sure that would have helped? Obviously I appreciate the sentiment, though.