Puberty/Adolescence/Disability Sex-Ed Resources
PUBERTY/ADOLESCENCE:
“Puberty and Adolescence Resource: A Guide for Parents”: https://www.autismspeaks.org/science/find-resources-programs/autism-treatment-network/tools-you-can-use/atn-air-p-puberty-adolescence-resource
‘Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum – the Basics” - a webinar by NAA, register to watch for free: http://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/autism-atrium/
“Video games, Dating, Homework, Oh My!”, video by Seattle Children’s: https://youtu.be/AbwnG2KVhr0
“Healthy Bodies, A Parent’s Guide on Puberty for Boys (and one for Girls) with Disabilities”, by Vanderbilt Kennedy Center: https://vkc.vumc.org/healthybodies/ (also in multiple languages)
SEX ED:
“FLASH”, Family Life And Sexual Health curriculum from King County: Free, PLUS they have a Special Education version: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dph/health-safety/health-centers-programs-services/birth-control-sexual-health/sexual-health-education/flash
The National Down Syndrome Society offers a resource section on their website: http://www.ndss.org/resources/sexuality/
For Parents: Teaching Sexual Health, “How do I talk to my child about good touch vs. bad touch”? “How can I explain what consent means”? This website helps parents navigate questions like these and provides many resources and ideas including: How to prepare and start conversations with your child, Age and topic specific information & Engaging and simple videos: https://teachingsexualhealth.ca/parents/
“How to Talk about Sex and Relationships with Your Child with Special Needs: 19 tips for talking to your child about sexuality and relationships from parents and special needs professionals”. From SCOPE - a UK-based disability charity, offering support for disabled people and their families: http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/03/18/how-to-talk-about-sex-relationships-with-a-special-needs-child/
"The Birds and The Bees: Support for Teaching Human Sexuality to Individuals with Autism and Developmental Disabilities”, The site has free curriculum and links to other online resources: https://asdsexed.org/category/curriculum/my-curriculum-free/middle-school-human-sexuality-101/
“Relationships, Puberty and Sexual Health”, video by Seattle Children’s: https://youtu.be/b2l93Jihfb8
“Social-Sexuality Education for Young People with Autism”, video by Seattle Children’s: https://youtu.be/NxAFLsVohVg
Sexual Education for Kids on the Autism Spectrum - a webinar by NAA, register to watch for free: http://nationalautismassociation.org/family-support/programs/autism-atrium/
"Healthy Relationships” Curriculum is paused currently, but The Arc of King County has information, https://arcofkingcounty.org/services/healthy-relationships.html
Sexuality Curriculum, Not Free, must register and pay, Sexuality Curriculum for parents, schools, and more, specifically developed for people with I/DD by Katherine McLaughlin: http://disabilityworkshops.com/
Circles Curriculum to teach students about social boundaries, not free. https://stanfield.com/product/circles-complete/ PDF to show visual of concept: http://www.ascd.org/ascd/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_199109_walker-hirsch.pdf
The Arc's Autism Now: Sexuality: http://autismnow.org/at-home/relationships/sexuality/
Conversations: Dating and Having a Social Life, by Informing Families: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REne9rXqSRY&app=desktop
Disability Scoop Essentials: Dating 101: https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2008/12/15/dating101/5186/
Know the Signs: Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation, by Informing Families: http://informingfamilies.org/know-the-signs-abuse-neglect-exploitation/
Sexuality Education for Students with Disabilities: http://www.parentcenterhub.org/sexed/
Sexuality of Children and Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/118/1/398/69655/Sexuality-of-Children-and-Adolescents-With
Supporting the Sexual and Social Development of Individuals with Intellectual Disability Video: http://aaidd.org/education/education-archive/2014/03/12/default-calendar/supporting-the-sexual-and-social-development-of-individuals-with-intellectual-disability#.Wm5LWEtG0Wo
Sexuality and Disability: A guide for parents (Alberta Health Services): https://intelligentlives.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Sexuality-and-Developmental-Disability-parent-guide.pdf
Autism and Puberty: List of books for parents and teens on puberty and sexuality for people with autism, list by Seattle Children’s:
Taking Care of Myself: A Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism, Mary Wrobel, 2003. Through simple stories, adolescents and young adults with Autism and their caregivers can learn about hygiene, body growth and development, menstruation, personal safety and more.
Sex, Sexuality and the Autism Spectrum, Wendy Lawson, 2005. The author uses her own experiences to explore how autism impacts relationships, sex and sexuality. She also looks at the unspoken rules that exist between people in relationships and explains why these rules can be confusing for people with autism.
Books for adults:
Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Parent’s Guide to the Cognitive, Social, Physical and Transition Needs of Teenagers with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Chantal Sicile-Kira, 2006. This book uses examples and practical advice to explain teaching skills to cope with puberty, self-care, social skills, teenage emotions, sexuality, appropriate relationships and dating, and preparing for life after high school.
Autism – Asperger’s and Sexuality: Puberty and Beyond, Jerry Newport and Mary Newport, 2002. This book takes a candid look at sex and relationships including, building self-confidence, dating, personal grooming and how to build loving relationships that include sexual intimacy.
Girls Growing Up on the Autism Spectrum: What Parents and Professionals Should Know about the Pre-Teen and Teenage Years, Shana Nichols, 2008. This book provides families the knowledge and advice they need to help their daughters with Autism Spectrum Disorders through the teenage years. It covers all the common concerns from periods to puberty, to worries over friendships and fitting in.
Self-Help Skills for People with Autism, Stephen R. Anderson, Amy L. Jablonski, Vicki Madaus Knapp and Marcus L Thomeer, 2007. Describes a systematic approach that parents can use to teach basic self- care (eating, dressing, toileting and personal hygiene) to children ages 2 to early teens.
Sexuality and Severe Autism: A Practical Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Health Educators, Kate Reynolds, 2013. This practical handbook guides you through the process of teaching about sex and sexuality. It answers the most crucial questions such as: Why is it necessary to teach this subject to my severely autistic child? When is the right time to start talking about these issues? The book addresses male and female issues separately and covers public and private sexual behaviors, sexual abuse, cross-gender teaching and liaising with school.
Sexuality and Disability Resources List: Books and resources about sexuality for teens with disabilities, list by Seattle Children’s:
Easy for You to Say: Q & A’s for Teens Living With Chronic Illness or Disability, Miriam Kaufman, MD, 1995. This book provides straightforward answers to questions that teens have relating to chronic illness or disability. Chapters include “Sexuality,” “Family Relationships,” “Doctors and Medical Issues,” “Friends and Dating,” “School and Work,” “Alcohol; Drugs, and Medication,” “Recreation” and “Transitions.”
Changes in You: A Clearly Illustrated, Simply Worded Explanation of the Changes of Puberty for Boys;
Changes in You: A Clearly Illustrated, Simply Worded Explanation of the Changes of Puberty for Girls, Peggy C. Siegel, Illustrated by Vivien Cohen, 1991. These 2 books, written in a simple and in a positive tone, explain the changes that boys and girls experience during puberty. Topics addressed in each book include physical development, anatomy, masturbation, health, doctor’s visits, public and private behaviors and how to deal with unwanted touch. The boy’s book also discussses wet dreams and the girl’s book talks about menstruation. Parents’ guides are also available for sons and daughters with special needs.
Caution: Do Not Open Until Puberty! An Introduction to Sexuality for Young Adults With Disabilities, Rick Enright, Illustrated by Sara L. Van Hamme, 1995. This book, written by a social worker, can be used as an icebreaker for an open discussion of sexuality between disabled adolescents and their families. Using illustrations and clear, informative text, it addresses decision making, anatomy, sexual response, physical disability and sexual functioning, as well as suggestions for further learning.
An Easy Guide for Caring Parents: Sexuality and Socialization: A Book for Parents of People With Mental Handicaps, Lynn McKee and Virginia Blacklidge, MD, 1986. This book addresses the social needs of children with mental disabilities. It also discusses the role of parents in their children’s sexuality education. It includes a comprehensive discussion of sexual development and discusses such topics as growing up, responsible sexual behavior, masturbation, social life, sexual orientation, fertility and birth control, sexual abuse and marriage.
Sexuality: Your Sons and Daughters With Intellectual Disabilities, Karin Melberg Schwier and Dave Hingsburger, 2000. This book provides information to parents and caregivers on interacting with their children – no matter what their age or ability – in a way that increases their self esteem, encourages appropriate behavior, empowers them to recognize and respond to abuse, and enables them to develop lifelong relationships. Throughout the book, parents share the joys and challenges of raising a child with an intellectual disability as they offer advice and practical strategies. Individuals with disabilities share information about what is important to them.
Where Did I Come From? Peter Mayle and Arthur Robins, 2000. “The facts of life without any nonsense, and with illustrations.” Simply explains sex, orgasm, conception, the growth of the fetus inside the womb, and birth. Appropriate for developmental age 4 and up.
What’s Happening to Me? A Guide to Puberty, Peter Mayle and Arthur Robins, 2000. Discusses the mental and physical changes during puberty.
Sexuality, Learning Difficulties and Doing What’s Right, Gavin Fairbairn, Denis Rowley, and Maggie Bowen, 1995. This book addresses sexuality and people with learning disabilities. It explores the rights that individuals have to be informed about sexuality issues, to form relationships, and to express themselves sexually. Chapters include “Ethics, Learning Disabilities and Sexuality,” “Sweet Little Mystery: The Person With Learning Difficulties as a Sexual Being,” “Exploitation, Abuse and Assault: The Sexual Misuse of People With Learning Disabilities,” and “Being and Becoming: Sex Education, Responsibility, and the Limits of Inclusion.”
Teaching Children with Down Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries and Sexuality, Terri Couwenhoven, 2007. This book blends factual information and practical ideas for teaching children with Down syndrome about their bodies, puberty and sexuality. It gives parents the confidence to speak comfortably about these subjects.
The Facts of Life....and More: Sexuality and Intimacy for People with Intellectual Disabilities, Leslie Walker-Hirsch, 2007. Going beyond “the facts of life” this book gives professionals examples of effective sexuality education techniques, case studies and interviews that show how real-life couples with disabilities handle the joys and challenges of their relationships.
*Please note that The Arc of Tri-Cities is not endorsing or recommending any one resource. This is for informational purposes only. Please let us know of any missing or incorrect information. Contact Melissa Brooks, RN at (509) 783-1131, ext. 108 or p2p@arcoftricities.com.