Puberty and Sex Education

Everybody experiences puberty as part of growing up, and it can be a difficult time for young people and their families whether they are autistic or not. There is no fixed age for puberty to start, however it usually takes place between the age of 8 and 13 years old. Puberty is caused by changes in hormone levels.  

It is important to talk with autistic teenagers about sex, sexuality and relationships.

Useful resources online

Information about puberty for autistic girls and boys can be found in our Resource Library.

Puberty and autism in boys

What is puberty? Everybody experiences puberty as part of growin...

Puberty and autism in girls

What is puberty? Everybody experiences puberty as part of growin...

Information about sexuality and sexual development in autistic teenagers can be found at RaisingChildren.au

Local services

If you are concerned about child sexual exploitation, risky teenage relationships or harmful sexual behaviour you can contact the Community Youth Team. This is a specialist service for vulnerable young people aged 10 to 18. 

SaYiT and Fruitbowl SaYiT is a charity which provides practical support to LGBTQ+ young people, parents/carers and professionals. They host Fruitbowl, which is a group which young people can explore their gender identity and sexuality and meet like-minded people in a safe and supportive environment.

National organisations

National Autistic Society Sex education: A guide for parents.

Ambitious about Autism have blogs written by autistic teenagers about discovering and navigating their sexuality.

Recommended books

There are a number of books you may want to take a look at:

• Taking care of myself: A healthy hygiene, puberty and personal curriculum for young people with autism by Mary Wrobel
• The autism-friendly guide to periods by Robyn Steward
• Girls growing up on the autism spectrum: What parents and professionals should know about the pre-teen and teenage years. By Shana Nichols with Gina Marie Moravick and Samara Pulver Tetenbaum
• The growing up book for boys: What boys on the autism spectrum need to know! By David Hartman
• What’s happening to Ellie? A book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions. By Kate E. Reynolds
• Things Ellie likes: A book about sexuality and masturbation for girls and young people with autism and related conditions. By Kate E. Reynolds
• Things Tom Likes: A book about sexuality and masturbation for boys and young men with autism and related conditions. By Kate E. Reynolds
• What’s happening to Tom? A book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions. By Kate E. Reynolds