Puberty
Puberty
Planet Puberty
A digital resource suite by Family Planning NSW for parents and carers of children with intellectual disability and/or autism.
Puberty and special girls
A simple yet sensitively written picture book that covers changes in bodies and appearance during puberty, good hygiene and other issues including protective behaviours and feelings for young women with special needs.
Puberty booklet
A WA Department of Health booklet addressing the changes that happen during puberty and how to look after yourself during this time. Recently updated in 2021 to combine the 'Girls and puberty' and 'Boys and puberty'. Aimed at ages 10-13 years.
Relationships, sex and other stuff
A WA Department of Health booklet for teenagers addressing friends and relationships, sex and pregnancy.
Responding to problem sexual behaviour in children and young people (2019)
Guidelines for education and care settings on responding to problem sexual behaviours (3rd edition, 2019). Lists age appropriate behaviours, concerning behaviours and serious behaviours with steps schools can take to respond and protect children.
Secret boys' business (2nd Ed.)
Topics: puberty
Non-fiction
A puberty resource for boys, families, schools and community groups to explain the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
Age: 9 to 13 years.
Secret girls' business
Topics: puberty, menstruation.
Non-fiction
Uses simple text and colour illustrations to explain how to manage periods. It includes notes for parents, teachers and carers.
Age: 8+
Sex Ed Rescue
Sex Ed Rescue is run by Cath Hakanson, a sex educator who helps parents to get the knowledge, skills and confidence to have conversations with their children about sex and relationships. This site offers videos, resources, books reviews, and a free 5 day sex ed bootcamp. Sex Ed Rescue also have a parent Facebook Group that offers opportunities for parents to seek feedback on specific topics and scenarios.
Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program
The WA Department of Health - Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Program (SHBBVP) provides sexual health information and resources for the community, health professionals and educators. Funds service providers to deliver free and low cost education sessions, professional development, clinical appointments, testing and treatment. All SHBBVP hardcopy resources (posters, pamphlets, etc) can be bulk ordered for free in WA by setting up a free account at doh.getquickmail.com. Email shbbvp@health.wa.gov.au for individual copies.
Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT
Provides reproductive and sexual health services throughout the ACT. Includes schools education programs, training and workshops.
Sexuality and severe autism: a practical guide for parents caregivers and health educators
A 208 page paper back book on sexual health and sexuality. This book contains information on males and females, including public and private sexual behaviours, sexual abuse, physical changes and menstruation.
Sexuality: your sons and daughters with intellectual disabilities
A 232 page paperback book containing information to help parents interact with their children as they develop healthy sexuality and a sense of self.
So what is a vulva anyway?
This UK resource is aimed at educating young people about the vulva (the outside part of the female reproductive system that is often misnamed ‘vagina’). The booklet uses illustrations to normalise the wide range of ‘normal’ when it comes to the appearance of the vulva. It also details the changes which happen during puberty that are often not described.
SoSAFE!
SoSAFE! uses a standardised framework of symbols, visual teaching tools and concepts to teach strategies for moving into intimate relationships in a safe and measured manner, and provides visual communication tools for reporting physical or sexual abuse. Provides teachers, trainers and counsellors with skills and simple visual tools to enhance the social, social-sexual and social safety training of people with moderate to severe intellectual disability.
Special boys' business
Topics: puberty. Autism, special needs.
Non-fiction
A puberty resource written for boys with special needs, including intellectual disability, physical disability, communication disorder and Autism.
Age: 8+
Special girls' business
Topics: menstruation, puberty
Non-fiction
A step by step guide on how to manage periods, including use and disposal of pads. A puberty resource written for girls with special needs, including intellectual disability, physical disability, communication disorder and Autism.
Age: 8+
Talk Soon. Talk Often: a guide for parents talking to their kids about sex
A WA Department of Health booklet developed to support parents to initiate regular and relaxed conversations with their children about relationships and sexuality. Age and stage appropriate information for parents with children birth to teens. First published 2011, updated in 2019.
Teaching sexual health.ca
Information and strategies for teachers, educators and parents educating children from birth to 18 years of age using the Alberta Education Human Sexuality curriculum based on the Canadian Guidelines for Sexual Health Education.
The growing up book for boys
Topics: puberty, Autism.
Non-fiction
What boys on the Autistic Spectrum need to know about puberty. Covers topics: changes during puberty, shaving, erections, wet dreams, crushes, friendships, internet safety, body safety, emotions.
Ages: Parents and teachers.
The growing up guide for girls
Topics: puberty, special needs, Autism
Non-fiction
What girls on the Autistic Spectrum need to know about puberty. Covers changes during puberty, menstruation, emotions, crushes, appropriate behaviours, friends, staying safe online.
Age: Parents and teachers.