Puberty
​
Shaving for men and women has some similarities where you can use a men's electric shaver to prevent injury and it has a good grip. For women, I find using all men's shavers a much better quality and a better shave. If visuals help, show them before and after photos showing them how long the hair is when it's time to shave and what it should look like. If a non-electric shaver is preferred, then include what they should do if they get a nick. Be specific and have a trusted person who is of the same sex working with them so if they need to demonstrate what to do. Include info about when it's time to replace the blade. Again, work with therapists for more ideas and social stories to set up success.
Take a proactive approach to menstruation and puberty for girls. This should be done before they reach puberty to prepare them for the changes they should expect.
-
Talk to her privately about the changes she can expect and keep it positive.
-
For fine motor practice, have her peel stickers from a backing which is the same as pulling the strip off a maxi or mini pad. Practice putting it in underwear and you can use underwear that helps prevent period leaks. Use red food coloring to demonstrate what to expect.
-
Keep the terms and conversation straight forward and simple. Have her get used to carrying an extra pad just in case. Let her get used to wearing the lightest pad.
-
Include supports in her IEP for when she has her period during school hours. Here's a link to more information of the steps you can take to help prepare your child for puberty.
​
When it's time to see an OBGYN
-
When your daughter starts to show physical changes, that's the time to talk to a trusted OBGYN. Bring up concerns about how much your child understands what's happening.
-
Some parents opt for giving the pill that can lighten or even stop a period of all efforts to improve hygiene fail. Talk to your daughter's OBGYN about choices and approaches you can take.
-
Although it isn't required, pelvic exams are also important. There is a understandable hesitation to not frighten someone with an intellectual disability who may have trouble understanding why an invasive test needs to be done.
-
I am unaware of any local OBGYN trained in working specifically with Autism but here is a guideline for a Successful Pelvic Exam that might be helpful. Some people opt for a light sedation where a person is still awake during the exam.
-
Talk to the OBGYN about preventing pregnancy especially with this changing political climate. Hormones are powerful so weigh the pros and cons of the contraceptive pill carefully.
-
When choosing a physician, younger ones have more experience in being included with people with intellectual disabilities and autism in school so ask about the comfort level when making an appointment. This advice can be a bit controversial for some so it's important to consider your own situation but it's been my personal experience that male OBGYN's are more gentle performing a pelvic exam than females. There are many reasons to consider female OBGYN's like religious beliefs, any trauma in the past or even the comfort level of the person. The important thing is to choose someone who has a comfort level where their energy is calm, reassuring and whose technique is gentle. And to do your best in asking for the patient's preference and comfort level with the physician.
-
As a woman ages, she's need to undergo mammograms so the importance of standing still, holding her breath and tolerating some discomfort may need to be goals in an ISP.
​
For men with Autism, there are healthcare goals to consider
-
Not as invasive as for women but boys/men need to understand their bodies but they need to be able to understand and communicate changes to their testicles or to their prostate.
​
Resources to share
The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls book
The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls
​​
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Understanding diseases associated with sex and how to prevent them
​
Sexual Knowledge and Consent
Along with behavioral health concerns, some adults with IDD have limited sexual knowledge, and an increased risk of making social errors and engaging in problematic sexual behaviors and/or sexual offenses. The following are offered to address basic human needs of sexual knowledge and consent and identifying gaps within that knowledge.
-
Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Assessment Tool – Revised (SSKAAT-R) - by Griffiths and Lunsky. This tool measures Social-Sexual Knowledge and attitudes assessed in anatomy, men’s and women’s bodies, intimacy, birth control, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy, child rearing and healthy boundaries.
-
Verbal Informed Sexual Consent Assessment Tool –(VISCAT) – by William Taverner. This tool addresses the person’s ability to demonstrate the principles of consent to sexual relationships.
Shape the Sky is dedicated to spreading awareness to help parents and professionals create safe and responsible children online. Check out their program.
Make it a Goal
18 IEP Goals for Self-Regulation Skills (examples)
Providers:
Merakey
Contact: Tim Barksdale: Tim.Barksdale@merakey.org or call 717-304-3829.
Website
​
Valley Youth House
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers evidence-based treatment at school or in home for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.
Where: 3400 High Point Blvd., Bethlehem, PA 18017
Call: (610) 820-0166
Website
​
When you need an attorney for abuse
Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo
Offices:
2851 Baglyos Circle, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18020
801 Hamilton Street, 5th Floor, Allentown, PA 18101
352 5th street, Suite C, Whitehall, PA 18052
Call: 610-295-5321 or toll free: 888-854-6895
Website
​
McAndrews Law Offices, P.C.
Where: 2030 Tilghman Street Unit 200 Allentown, PA 18104
Call: 610.648.9300