Teen Autism

When I left the Autism and Puberty seminar I recently attended, my head was swimming with all the information I had obtained. I had learned about the difference between puberty and adolescence, that there is nothing delayed about the former and that the latter usually is. I learned how to teach about difficult topics like sexual abuse. I learned how the concept of emotional age affects how a child responds to puberty and adolescence. I learned what to teach older ASD teens when they do reach adolescence. There was quite a bit of information to absorb, and I knew that a good deal of it would require some follow-up.

The seminar presenters thought of everything. They provided a list of resources with a wealth of information and tips.

Books:

• What’s Happening to Me? An Illustrated Guide to Puberty, 1998, Carol Publishing Group; Mayle, Peter.
• What’s the Big Secret? Talking about Sex with Girls and Boys, 2000, Little Brown Publishing, Krasny Brown, Laurie.
• Amazing You: Getting Smart about Your Private Parts, 2005, Dutton Books; Saltz, Gail.
• It’s Perfectly Normal, 1994, Candlewick Press; Harris, Robie H.
• The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls, American Girl Books.
• Sexuality: Your Sons & Daughters with Intellectual Disabilities, 2000, Brookes Publishing; Melburg Schwier, Karin and Hingsburger, Dave.
• Teaching Children with Down Syndrome* about Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality, 2007, Woodbine House; Couwenhoven, Terri. *The seminar presenters mentioned that this book is also very helpful for parents of ASD kids as well.
• Taking Care of Myself, A Healthy Hygiene, Puberty & Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism, 2003, Future Horizons; Wrobel, Mary.

Websites:

• www.sexualityandu.ca
• www.marshmedia.com  Puberty education for students with special needs, kits with books & DVDs for both girls and boys, 800-821-3303. Their DVDs are highly recommended; I will be ordering one and reviewing it here!
• www.autism.com/families/older/sexualityandautism.htm
• www.familiesaretalking.org
• www.mayer-johnson.com  Boardmaker picture communication symbols.
• http://www.acnetreatment.net/puberty-in-kids-with-developmental-disabilities/ (thank you, Erica!)

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