I agree with you that he is probably curious and sexually frustrated. He is at an age where men his physical age are relieving their sexual feelings in many ways. His outlet is on the pregnant women and animals. As sexual beings we all have the possibility of developing a variety of sexual turn-ons. Most people are able to keep these very private, and even their friends or partners don’t know what the real fantasies or turn-ons are. The millions of images on the Internet that people view are evidence to the various sexual fantasies people have.

Because your brother has had more supervision than other boys/men his age, he may not have had the freedom to explore his curiosities without being discovered.

First, remember that this is normal. Secondly, you can try to continue to give him the freedom to explore the sexual images that he enjoys. You may even want to help him (though at this age he may get more embarrassed if you do this) learn more about pregnancy, encouraging him to ask questions and help him find images.

I agree that if you restrict him he may go out and try to find pregnant women. So encouraging him to find the pictures that he enjoys and even talking with him about what he likes about it may help take some of the stigma away for him, and possibly the curiosity. There are some wonderful picture books of pregnancy and pregnant women. Giving him one as a gift may show him that you are supportive. Then he can take the book and look at it whenever he wants.

Remember, we are sexual beings with fantasies that allow us to turn on. As a mentally challenged man, he is just not able to hide this the way other men may.

Reviewed by: Kathleen Scarbo (VanKirk) DHS