Puberty
Puberty is when a child's body begins to develop and change as they become an adult.
Signs of puberty include girls developing breasts and starting periods, and boys developing a larger penis and testicles, a deeper voice and a more muscular appearance.
The average age for girls to start puberty is 11, while for boys the average age is 12.
But it's perfectly normal for puberty to begin at any point between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys.
There's not usually any need to worry if puberty does not start around the average age, but it's a good idea to speak to your GP for advice if it starts before 8 or has not started by around 14.
The NHS have produced a useful visual book about growing up and starting puberty, called 'Growing up - what's it all about?'
More information about puberty can be found on the NHS website, here are some resources you may find helpful:
- Showering social story
- Bathing social story
- I can take care of myself social story
- Boys puberty social story
Relationships and sexual health
Sexual health and relationships are important for everyone. Our aim is to help everyone find high quality, reliable information. If you prefer easy read material, please use the following links.
Be Safe Have Fun – This is a sexual health education app for young people with autism and or learning difficulties aged 14 and over.
(Please note this app is only available on Google Playstore)
Change is an organisation led by Disabled People and People with Learning Disabilities. Check out their website changepeople.org , they have resources , however they do have a cost.
Mencap is a leading voice of learning disability, check out these Mencap pages.
Scope is a charity which tries to make our country a fairer place for people with disabilities. Their website has useful information on sexual health and relationships.
If you are 16 or older you can also check out Scopes A to Z of sex and disability.
Information on local contraception and sexual health services can be found here.
Additional advice and support
iCaSH Milton Keynes – iCaSH (integrated Contraception and Sexual Health) clinical service provides all aspects of sexual and reproductive health, including contraception, sexually transmitted infection (STI) and HIV testing and treatment. Our outreach team offer targeted education for young people from 13 to 24; as well as the wider adult community, who face adversity and difficulty in accessing these services. Online or face to face FREE training for professionals, who work in Milton Keynes and want to learn more to support their roles is also available - click on this link for more information on our training offer https://icashsexualhealthtraining.eventbrite.com
Please look at our website for more details - iCaSH Milton Keynes
Helpful resources around consent, healthy relationships and sexual health can also be accessed via Brook.
Chlamydia Screening Milton Keynes - If you are 25 years of age or under and live in Milton Keynes, you are eligible for free and confidential Chlamydia screening. Chlamydia often has no symptoms, so you do not always know you have it - yet it’s so easily passed on through sex, including oral sex. Regular testing is key for your sexual wellbeing. Click on this link to find out how to access Chlamydia screening Milton Keynes
The c-card scheme is a national scheme aimed at young people between 13-24 years old who can register to get a range of free condoms, information, and advice. The aim of the service is to promote reproductive and sexual health and help young people to access local services. Many youth organisations, pharmacies and GP practices are part of the C-Card scheme. Young people can find out more by visiting C-Card scheme
Resources for parents and carers:
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Sex Education - a guide for parents by the National Autistic Society
