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
Terrence Higgins Trust MK -are an outreach education service for 13 t 24 year old, here in MK, More detailed information on services can be found on the Terrence Higgins Trust MK website- details on 1:1Education service, ordering condoms by post and Chlamydia screening kits, training catalogue link etc.
iCaSH – sexual health clinical service for ALL ages in Milton Keynes and will allow you to access more detailed information about contraception, STI testing and clinic opening hours.
Young and Free – this is an online service that allows you to directly order a confidential Chlamydia testing kit to your home address.
Helpful resources around understanding sexual health can also be accessed via Brook.
Resources for parents and carers:
- Sex Education - a guide for parents by the National Autistic Society
