Puberty and ASD

Avatar for sselwa
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Registered: 03-27-2003
Puberty and ASD
5
Thu, 11-30-2006 - 11:50am

Hi,


I know I am thinking a little bit ahead on this one.

Susan, mom to Sam 11 and Connor 9
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Registered: 03-20-2003
In reply to: sselwa
Thu, 11-30-2006 - 10:21pm
Susan - you've got me completely stumped there.
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Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: sselwa
Thu, 11-30-2006 - 11:01pm

We are in the throws of puberty and this is not turning out to be an easy task let me tell you.

Mike would NOT discuss it with me. He got upset if I tried but conversations that don't involve legos are hard for him. I never really know right away why he is opposed to a conversation though sometimes I learn later.

I ended up buying some books that agreed with my philosophy on things, are a bit below his grade level so he will understand, but concrete and honest enough that he gets it. I tried to read it with him. No go.

However, I am able to concretely discuss some things on the sly if I am really cool about it and bide my time. Just kind of an "oh by the way..." in a natural way. And then drop it at that.

Not sure if that helps at all.

Cait was way different. I was able to easily talk to her about it and tried to be as concrete as possibly but she still misunderstood much. I got her a book too, with pictures. My kids are visual learners. Of course I had to deal with girl stuff that YOU are fortunate enough with boys NOT to deal with.

Renee

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Registered: 03-28-2003
In reply to: sselwa
Thu, 11-30-2006 - 11:46pm
This is uncharted territory for me as well. My dd is turning 9. I did try to show her a books, but she just couldn't relate. There was one that she seemed to like that was very young and basic about where babies come from, but did not really discuss bodily changes. I have been stumped on this as well and I'm losing time since she's turning 9 soon and needs to know about these things before they happen to her. I have considered calling my local ASA chapter for help.
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Registered: 03-26-2003
In reply to: sselwa
Fri, 12-01-2006 - 9:48am

With girls I have a little more luck and information. Probably because I am a girl and it was easier to plan. KWIM? I did lots of research on this.

Some of the tips for ASD girls is to do the whole pad changing thing as a routine even prior to them starting thier period. They need the practice. Explain to her too very concretely perhaps using a social story about what her body will do. Cait did really great with all those changes. The conversation I have had a hard time with with her is sex. I am worried that she will misunderstand or has misunderstood and teh ramifications of finding out from peers or misunderstanding is huge.

Also, some personal experience. You may need to spend some funds in the beginning to find a pad that she is ok with. Being sensory beings the whole feeling of a pad each month while in the throws of PMS and being ASD really has been a PITA! I think I finally have a good idea what works for her as far as that goes but man if I don't have the right ones in house, forget it.

Renee

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Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: sselwa
Fri, 12-01-2006 - 10:34am

Thanks everyone,


At least I have some time to do some research.

Susan, mom to Sam 11 and Connor 9