Puberty
Children on the autism spectrum often need more time than their peers to deal with major changes, included the changes that will come during puberty. Puberty typically starts between 10-11 years for girls and between 11-13 for boys (though actual starting times can vary greatly for individual children).
From mid to late primary school, it’s a great idea to start skilling up on how to explain the wonders of puberty.
It’s best to be very clear and very direct about all the changes that will happen and, as ever, to use pictures and diagrams to help children who are visual learners.
Helpful resources
Planet Puberty – Family Planning NSW
Puberty and autism spectrum disorders – Amaze (Autism Victoria)
Child with autism spectrum disorder: getting ready for puberty – Raising Children Network
Sexuality, Personal Hygiene and Safety – Positive Partnerships
Girls With ASD: Periods – Raising Children Network
Sex Ed for Self Advocates – Organisation For Autism Research
Beyond The Talk: What Else Autistic Girls Need To Know About Puberty – Cynthia Kim
Special Boys’ Business and Special Girls’ Business by Heather Anderson, Fay Angelo and Rose Stewart Secretgb
Taking Care of Myself: A Healthy Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism – Mary Wrobel Taking Care of Myself
Health matters – Autism Launchpad