Puberty & Sexual Health Resources

Autism Calgary Tool-kit – Puberty and Sexual Health for Caregivers

We offer a self-researched tool-kit for caregivers on puberty and sexual health to help understand why it is important, why it is important to educate them differently than neurotypical children, different strategies to support them, as well as linking both virtual and book resources to try with their children. 

PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nOVgWsbJuhyGsQYhT2k3Nz0r0oKGr8x3/view?usp=sharing

Talking About Sexuality in Canadian Communities (TASCC) 

TASCC are a group of interdisciplinary professionals representing Alberta Health Services – Sexual & Reproductive Health (Calgary Zone); the University of Calgary, Faculty of Nursing; and the Alberta Society for the Promotion of Sexual Health (ASPSH). The Sexual & Reproductive Health team provides practical tools and strategies for parents, service providers and youth with disabilities. They offer resources and information for youth and adults with disabilities about puberty and sexuality. They also have courses for self-care, respecting boundaries and social media.

Website: https://tascc.ca/

Planet Puberty 

Planet Puberty has resources, interactive games, and easy to read information about puberty for children and parents with autism and intellectual disabilities. They offer information about all different parts of puberty and relationships, separated into both sexes.

Website: https://www.planetpuberty.org.au/

National Council on Independent Living: Sex Ed for People with IDD 

A youtube playlist by the National Council on Independent Living, offering information in the form of short videos for people with intellectual disabilities, told from their peers. They give educational lessons on several topics to do with sexuality and sexual health. 

Website: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLuEvYNNQ-dHeVhbyeJHx9s8oqsvBk621v

AMAZE

Short videos in the form of cartoons about relationships, sexuality, puberty, and self care. These videos are age appropriate, and can be filtered by the topic you want to learn about.

Website: https://amaze.org/

Calgary Scope Society Outreach Program 

Calgary Scope Society offers an outreach program that helps address those going through puberty with developmental disabilities experiencing social, emotional and/or behavioural challenges for parents and children with disabilities.

Phone: (403) 717-7691
Email: outreach@calgaryscope.org
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Calgaryscopeoutreach

Centre for Sexuality

The Centre for Sexuality provides information on their website for parents on how to discuss sex with children with developmental disabilities, as well as general information on sexuality and sexual health. They aim to ensure those with developmental disabilities are safe in their development into a mature adult and are informed for the future.

Phone: 403-283-5580
Email: info@centreforsexuality.ca
Website: https://www.centreforsexuality.ca/learning-centre/talking-to-children-with-disabilities-about-sex/

Autism Calgary Tool-kit: Puberty and Sexual Health for Caregivers

We offer a self-researched tool-kit for caregivers on puberty and sexual health to help understand why it is important, why it is important to educate them differently than neurotypical children, different strategies to support them, as well as linking both virtual and book resources to try with their children. 

PDF: Autism Calgary Puberty and Sexual Health Tool-Kit

Nemours KidsHealth

Medically reviewed information about every topic about puberty and sexual health, generally and on specific topics

Website: https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/puberty.html

Sex Ed for Self-Advocates Podcast

A podcast made for autistic teens and young adults 15+, learning about sexuality and sex education.

Website: https://researchautism.org/self-advocates/sex-ed-for-self-advocates/

Outschool Online Puberty Classes for Autistic Teens

Live video chat lessons about puberty and social skills groups for neurodivergent children working with kids their age. It includes 1:1 lessons and group classes.

Website: https://outschool.com/online-classes/popular/puberty-for-autism

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Sexuality and Safety with Tom and Ellie Series

A great series of informative books for parents and caregivers about teaching sexuality to severely autistic children.

Author: Kate E. Reynolds
Website: https://us.jkp.com/collections/series-sexuality-and-safety-with-tom-and-ellie-pid-191684725

Sexuality and Severe Autism

This practical handbook guides you through the process of teaching about sex and sexuality, answering all of the most crucial questions. It addresses male and female issues separately and covers public and private sexual behaviours, sexual abuse, cross-gender teaching and liaising with school, in addition to the more obvious areas such as physical changes and menstruation.

Author: Kate E. Reynolds
Website: https://www.amazon.ca/Sexuality-Severe-Autism-Practical-Caregivers/dp/1849053278

The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods 

A detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods, which can be a scary and overwhelming issue.

Author: Robyn Steward
Website: https://www.amazon.ca/Autism-Friendly-Guide-Periods-Robyn-Steward/dp/1785923242

Autism Awareness Centre Inc

The Autism Awareness Centre offers a great collection of books about autism, puberty, hygiene and sexuality.

Website: https://autismawarenesscentre.com/?post_type=any&s=puberty&product-type=

When Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Hit Puberty 

A helpful parent guide about puberty and sexuality and how to teach your autistic child about these changes.

Authors: Freddy Jackson Brown and Sarah Brown
Website: https://www.amazon.ca/People-Intellectual-Disabilities-Autism-Puberty/dp/184905648X