Autism Matters

Puberty & Children on the Autism Spectrum

July 21, 2011
By Autism Society

Every adolescent must endure the trials of puberty. The physical and chemical changes of the teenage years take place in every person’s body, whether they have autism or not. Parents of children on the spectrum should be well prepared when these changes begin, however, as this stage of growing up is stressful for anyone, but especially for people with ASD who prefer predictability.

Learn how to help your adolescent with ASD through puberty with Puberty and Children on the Autism Spectrum, a free informational resource from the Autism Society’s Living With Autism series. This concise, informative guide has suggestions for preparing for and responding to the stages of puberty, including the development of secondary characteristics as well as the onset of menstruation or ejaculation.

Parents must be comfortable talking about body parts and actions using medical language, and sons and daughters need to know that their parents will answer any questions accurately and respectfully. Puberty is unnerving, but children will be more confident if they feel that their family is supportive and considerate of them.

Check out this free downloadable resource on the Autism Society's Resource Materials page. You must be registered and logged in to view the page.

Autism Matters

Puberty & Children on the Autism Spectrum

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