This article is mommy approved by Miriam Slozberg, mother of two<\/a><\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Now, the focus will be on\u00a0teaching autistic boys about puberty<\/a>. The ideal age to start preparing them is around ten (for girls, it would be slightly sooner). Below are tips on preparing your son\u00a0or boys in general for what he must expect in the not too distant future.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this post, we'll cover:<\/p>\n
Anytime you\u00a0talk about puberty to autistic boys<\/a>, it is important to tell them everything that they will expect to happen. Otherwise, they will become agitated if a change occurs that they are unprepared for. Make it known to them that they will grow and get taller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is always important to remember that autistic people are visual learners and thinkers. It is important to prepare them for puberty, as explained in the first point. However, it is also advisable to show these boys pictures of teenage boys that have pimples and facial hair while telling them they will have the same thing happening to their bodies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is also a good idea to show them pictures of grown men, showing them that they will grow up. Explain to them that men were boys like they were at one time, which may also help them realize that going through puberty is normal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can find teenage boys’ and men’s pictures in magazines or Google images. The ideal photos to show these boys are before and after pictures of boys becoming men.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explain to boys with autism that they will feel different emotions, and be specific with the type of feelings they will have. Prepare them for the fact that they may feel happy one minute, angry the next minute, and sad after that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prepare them so that they may begin to like girls (or they may like other boys, which are also important to prepare them with, especially if they are showing signs of being gay) and make it clear to them that they must allow them to have their space.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The concern with boys on the autism spectrum is that they struggle with their social development, and if they develop crushes, they may act on impulse and misbehave. However, when the boy starts to show interest in a girl, at that point, more tips can be discussed on dating and autism.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaching boys the importance of privacy is also important because they will feel as if they want to touch themselves. Prepare them for this fact as well, and when they do, teach them about masturbation and how it is only appropriate to do it in their bedrooms with the door closed or in bathrooms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tell them that touching themselves in public places such as schools, malls, or restaurants is never appropriate.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explain to the child that because of their bodies going through changes, they will sweat more which means they will need to wash themselves more often. Teach them the importance of using deodorants; if the child has sensory issues regarding smell, there are plenty of good-quality unscented deodorants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best way to teach boys on the autism spectrum about what to expect when they go through puberty is by using\u00a0social stories<\/a>\u00a0that will show them step by step how their bodies will change. The social stories will also show them how to wash and use deodorant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are also\u00a0masturbation social stories<\/a>\u00a0that are worth using. Parents<\/a> and caregivers uncomfortable with teaching their boys on the autism spectrum about puberty will also find that using social stories to show them how puberty will affect them much easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some free social stories for this purpose will be in the reference section.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n