Autism Puberty Teaching Resources
Visual supports are a valuable tool for teaching Autistic teens about puberty.
Autism Puberty Visual Supports
Autism puberty visual supports help to frame, support, respect and honor each person's unique learning style.
Why Use Visual Supports to Teach About Puberty
Here’s why visual supports can be especially helpful:
-
Cognitive Clarity and Processing: Many Autistic individuals find it easier to understand and process information visually rather than through spoken or written words alone. Visual aids can help clarify complex ideas, making it easier to grasp new information, particularly for concepts that might be abstract or challenging, like the changes that occur during puberty.
-
Reducing Anxiety and Overwhelm: Puberty is a sensitive topic that can bring about stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. Visual supports provide a clear, predictable structure for discussing these changes, reducing feelings of being overwhelmed. Images, charts, and diagrams can make the information feel more manageable and reassuring, creating a calm and supportive learning environment.
-
Supporting Executive Functioning: Many Autistic individuals experience differences in executive functioning, which can make it challenging to keep track of sequential information or follow complex verbal explanations. Visual supports break down the steps or stages of puberty into more digestible, organized parts, supporting memory and understanding.
-
Promoting Independence and Self-Advocacy: Visual aids can be revisited independently by the learner. When Autistic teens can access materials independently, they can better understand their own needs and advocate for them, increasing self-confidence and autonomy. For example, a visual schedule or checklist can empower teens to navigate their own routines, hygiene, or self-care needs as their bodies change.
-
Honoring Individual Learning Preferences: Neuroaffirmative approaches emphasize respecting each autistic person’s unique way of learning and processing. If visual supports resonate with how they best learn, it shows respect for their preferences and affirms that their needs are valued, respected, and taken seriously.
Incorporating visual supports not only facilitates learning but also respects and validates autistic teens’ experiences and perspectives, making puberty education more accessible, inclusive, and empowering.