Developing both sexually and emotionally is a normal process for any teenager – including those with autism. Many autistic teenagers, however, struggle to understand and cope with the changes that they are feeling in their bodies and how to express themselves. This, in turn, could have a negative impact on their mental health as it can lead to frustration, stress and anxiety. The struggles that someone with autism may face around this topic can be greatly alleviated through the right sexual health counselling, advice and support.

Exploring and understanding the importance of boundaries.

The number of autistic teenagers struggling with puberty and their sexual development is an unspoken challenge parents and carers know all too well. We have worked with a number of autistic teenagers who were struggling with puberty and their sexual development, along with their parents and carers. The number one issue that was identified by both children and parents was the idea of boundaries . Boundaries have been found by many experts that focus on Sexual Health and Relationships Education in young people with ASD to be key.

As a teenager, an autistic child will begin to feel a connection or attraction to another person and may want to explore this. Many autistic children struggle with the idea of boundaries as they find it difficult to read social cues from the other person – meaning it can be difficult to know if the person is interested or not, or if they are becoming too close. It is important to have a conversation with the young person about boundaries and consent to ensure that they are aware of how others are feeling . This will allow them to feel more confident when approaching someone that they like and will reduce the chances of confrontation or rejection that may leave them feeling unhappy.

The Circles Curriculum Approach

Many teenagers can feel frustrated and will find it hard to discuss how their body is changing and how they are feeling. Try and adopt the circles curriculum approach where you highlight with the young person who they can talk to about sex and how they are feeling emotionally. These circles can be used to visually show how close a person is to the young person – the closer the circle, the more appropriate it is to ask them about sex and talk to them about how they are feeling. This is also a great way to discuss the idea of a crush – and whether they feel the same way. If the young person has feelings for someone, but they have not shown the same feeling back, you can have a discussion about moving them to a circle on the outside, where talking to them about sex and intimacy would be inappropriate, this can help them understand boundaries.

Enlighten with Social Stories

Social Stories are also a great tool that can be utilized when discussing feelings and appropriate actions – for example, when dealing with someone who doesn’t like you back, or discussing changes to the body and new desires. This can help autistic children understand that what they are feeling is perfectly normal, and learn how to respond.

The Take Away

Here at Access Touch, we understand the challenges that parents or support workers may face when confronted with the issue of sexual and emotional development in young people with autism. While this is a natural stage of development, it can be difficult to know how to approach it.
Our expert staff and personalised programs offer support services for sexual health, to help build an understanding of the topic and encourage others how to approach it in a positive light. Let us help you understand safe sexual health behaviours through our sexual health support. Contact us today to get started – we can’t wait to hear from you.

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