Puberty is inevitable. It is something all young people, including neurodivergent ones, go through and it’s something that we as parents and carers need to be ready for, so we can both prepare them and also reduce their vulnerability to misunderstandings about puberty and sexuality.
Our “Puberty and Neurodiversity” webinar is your essential guide to supporting neurodivergent young people through puberty. It is packed full of practical tips on handling sensitive topics such as menstruation, erections, wet dreams, and personal hygiene – including the importance of using clear, factual, positive language when discussing body changes to reduce confusion and anxiety for neurodivergent children.
We discuss teaching appropriate personal boundaries, consent, and understanding the difference between public and private behaviours. We also cover how to talk about subjects such as masturbation, sexual behaviour and relationships – giving clear guidance on how to set boundaries and create a safe space for these conversations.
Friendship skills are another big focus, as many neurodivergent teenagers need to be explicitly taught how to navigate new social challenges. And we look at how to encourage independence, like taking care of personal hygiene and joining in social activities to help build confidence and prepare neurodivergent young people for adult life.
Finally, the webinar encourages celebrating neurodiversity and having open conversations with teens about their unique strengths. Helping them embrace their differences can help teenagers feel proud of who they are and more comfortable with their neurodiversity.
This webinar was produced for Hertfordshire County Council as part of the Local Offer. The webinar is presented by Chris Russell, Lead Trainer at SPACE, and was produced with special thanks to Dr Mark Brown from Special Help for Special Needs (SH4SN).
For more information on how to help your child or young person understand and embrace their neurodiversity take a look at our Understanding my Autism and ADHD programme designed specifically for young people who have a diagnosis of autism, ADHD, or both.
