Puberty and Sex Education

Mood swings, confusion, and a whole lot of awkwardness. Puberty is just a part of growing up.  

Puberty can be a chaotic and confusing time, both for parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and for the children. Even the most knowledgeable, motivated, and devoted parents can find that this period brings feelings of doubt and a sense of being ill-equipped for an entirely new set of challenges. Below, we have compiled some excellent resources to help talk with your child about puberty/sex education. 

Puberty Resources:

A Guide to Puberty And Autism – https://www.normallifeinc.com/autism-awareness-blog/puberty-autism/ 

Healthy Bodies for Boys – https://vkc.vumc.org/healthybodies/files/HealthyBodies-Boys-web.pdf 

Healthy Bodies for Girls – https://vkc.vumc.org/healthybodies/files/HealthyBodies-Girls-web.pdf 

Lurie Center for Autism: Puberty – https://www.massgeneral.org/children/autism/lurie-center/puberty 

Preparing for puberty: autistic children and teenagers – https://raisingchildren.net.au/autism/development/physical-development/preparing-for-puberty-asd 

Puberty and children on The Autism Spectrum – https://www.autism-society.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/LWA_Puberty.pdf 

PUBERTY:  A GUIDE FOR TEENAGERS WITH AN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND THEIR PARENTS –  http://nhfv.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sexualityautism-spectrum-disorder.184122715.pdf 

All About Sex – https://www.fpnsw.org.au/factsheets/individuals/disability/all-about-sex 

Elevatus Training- Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality 101 – Developmental Disabilities and Sexuality 101 – Self-Study Course – Elevatus Training

Puberty, Sex, and Sexuality – https://vkc.vumc.org/assets/files/resources/sexedtoolkit.pdf 

Sex Education – A Guide for Parents –  https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/family-life-and-relationships/sex-education/parents-and-carers 

SEX ED FOR SELF-ADVOCATES!  – https://researchautism.org/sex-ed-guide/ 

• Sexuality and Relationship Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders 1st Edition-By Davida Hartman 
• Sexuality and Severe Autism: A Practical Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Health Educators– By K.E. Reynolds 
• The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods-By Robyn Steward What’s Happening to Tom? A Book About Puberty for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions-By Kate E. Reynolds 
• What’s Happening to Ellie? A Book About Puberty for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions-By Kate E. Reynolds 

Autism Heroes
420 Brookside Ave, Redlands CA 92373
(909) 312-3070
www.myautismheroes.com
Autism Heroes focuses on providing ABA services to individuals with disabilities in school settings, in-home settings, and in the community. By not only collaborating with the individual but with their professional team and family we seek to reach a cohesive intervention plan to benefit the individual.  Offers a number of services including Parent and Adolescents with special needs Sexuality Training.

Be Safe: Explaining Sex and Sexual Behaviors Social Story – https://paautism.org/resource/sex-sexual-behaviors-social-story/ 

Healthy Bodies Appendix (Girls) – https://vkc.vumc.org/healthybodies/files/HealthyBodiesAppendix-Girls.pdf 

Healthy Bodies Appendix (Boys) – https://vkc.vumc.org/healthybodies/files/HealthyBodiesAppendix-Boys.pdf 

Social Stories: Appropriate Behaviors – http://livingwellwithautism.com/how_to_use_social_stories/social_stories-behaviors 

Puberty Basics for Parents of Girls with ASD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqCMI7Spp-M&t=3s&ab_channel=Asperger%2FAutismNetwork-AANE 

Sex Ed for People with I/DD: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuEvYNNQ-dHeVhbyeJHx9s8oqsvBk621v 

Sexuality Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (Kennedy Krieger): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEg2Yxrg9QU&ab_channel=KennedyKriegerInstitute 

Social-Sexuality Education for Young People With Autism Spectrum (Seattle Children’s Hospital): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxAFLsVohVg&list=PLjvfRtcMhn4PB0NTW0RlvsMJGu1Csnn5s&index=41&ab_channel=SeattleChildrens 

Autism Society Options Policy

This Resource Guide was developed to provide families and professionals with an opportunity to find resources related to autism in the Inland Empire in one place.

All information provided or published by the Autism Society Inland Empire is for information purposes only. Specific treatment, therapy or services should be provided to an individual only at the direction of the individual’s doctor, caregiver, or other qualified professional. References to any treatment or therapy option, program, service, or treatment provider are not an endorsement by the Autism Society. References of treatments, therapies, programs, services, and/or providers are not intended to be comprehensive statements. You should investigate alternatives that may be more appropriate for a specific individual. The Autism Society assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information published or provided. The Autism Society Inland Empire provides information, but it does not constitute medical or legal information. Referrals provided are suggestions to organizations that might help, but do not constitute a recommendation. The Autism Society Inland Empire cannot be held responsible for consequences that arise from individual dealings with a professional or organization. The inclusion of any organization does not imply endorsement, and omission does not imply disapproval. The Autism Society Inland Empire may add or remove organizations from this list at its discretion.