Goals

This chapter aims to support learners with autism in:

● Understanding the physical changes that occur during puberty

● Identifying and managing emotional changes

● Developing a healthy body image and self-esteem

● Learning about personal hygiene and self-care routines

● Understanding menstruation in a clear, supportive way

● Recognising and regulating mood swings

● Respecting their own and others’ bodily autonomy

● Learning appropriate social and emotional responses.

Teaching Strategies

– Visual Supports

● Puberty charts or illustrated books can be used to show physical changes in boys and girls.

● Hygiene routines can be displayed visually (e.g., showering, deodorant use, changing sanitary pads).

● Emotion thermometers or faces can be used to recognise emotional states and link them to hormonal changes.

● Using images of diverse bodies and natural changes can create body-positive imagery.

● For menstruation: Diagrams, flowcharts, and sample hygiene products can be used in a non-threatening way.

– Social Stories

Social stories can be used to address:

● “What is Puberty?”

● “Getting My Period”

● “Shaving for the First Time”

● “Dealing with Body Odour”

● “Why I Feel Angry Sometimes”

● “Changing in the Locker Room”

– Role-Playing

Suggested Scenarios:

● Asking for help with hygiene needs (e.g., “Can you help me buy deodorant?”)

● Managing emotional outbursts (“I feel frustrated, I need a break.”)

● Responding to teasing about body changes

● Practising changing clothes in private spaces like bathrooms or locker rooms

Tips:

● For indirect practice, you can use scripts and puppets

● Always offer praise for expressing needs or managing feelings calmly

– Positive Reinforcement

● Remember to praise appropriate self-care habits, such as saying, “You remembered to brush your teeth, great job!”

● You could also use token systems to support consistent hygiene routines

– Modelling

You can model skills such as:

● Washing hands, using deodorant, and changing clothes appropriately

● Using sanitary products (demonstrated on dolls or charts, not live)

● Expressing emotions calmly (“I feel nervous, so I will take deep breaths”)

● Using checklists or apps for daily hygiene and emotional tracking

Suggested Activities

Movement & Imitation Games

– Body Changes Matching Game

Use cards showing physical changes (e.g., facial hair, breast development) and match them to age/stage or name.

– My Hygiene Kit

Create a personal hygiene box with deodorant, soap, menstrual products, a toothbrush, etc.

– Hygiene Routine Sequencing

Provide cards showing steps such as “change underwear,” “use deodorant,” and “wash hands.”

– Puberty Sorting Game

Sort cards into “Happens to Boys,” “Happens to Girls,” and “Happens to Both.”

– Menstruation Station

Explore pads, liners, period underwear, and step-by-step instructions using dolls or charts.

– Scent & Sensory Exploration Station

Provide different hygiene products to smell or touch and rate them with smiley face scales. This helps sensory-sensitive learners find products they tolerate.

– Body Image “Me Collage”

Using magazines or drawings, learners create a collage of things they like about their body, identity, or interests. This helps build self-esteem and supports body positivity.

– Yes / No / Maybe Boundaries Game

Sort actions like “someone wants a hug” into Yes/No/Maybe zones with traffic light colours. This supports decision-making about consent.

Emotional Regulation Activities

– Feelings Folder / Mood Thermometer

Create a colour-coded folder or chart to identify emotions and link them to calming strategies.

– Optional Materials to Create

● Puberty Flashcards: Showing physical and emotional changes in a clear, respectful way

● Hygiene Routine Charts: Illustrated checklists for bathroom, shower, menstruation care

● Emotion Thermometers: Visual tools for identifying and scaling feelings

● Menstrual Product Samples & Visual Guides: For education and familiarization

● Social Story Booklets: “Getting My Period,” “Why My Voice Is Changing,” etc.

● Mood Tracking Worksheets: Simple daily forms to record and reflect on emotions

● Body Image Affirmation Posters: Inclusive posters celebrating different body types

● Puberty Sorting Mats & Cards: For interactive matching and group learning