Abstract

Puberty, personal hygiene and sex can be difficult topics to broach with your child, especially when they have an intellectual disability or autism. The authors of this guide provide honest answers to challenging questions and provide solutions to the dilemmas that many parents face on a daily basis. Structured around issues related to puberty and emerging sexuality in children with disabilities or autism, such as physical changes, mood swings and sexual behaviour, the book presents case studies alongside practical guidance on how to overcome problems that commonly arise.

The book also explains laws relevant to disability and sexuality and suggests appropriate sex education programmes to meet the needs of differing degrees of disability.

We strongly recommend this book. Perfectly written and structured, it provides answers to important questions on real life issues that every parent, carer or practitioner might face today or in the future. A great read and an important addition to sex education literature.
Ioannis Voskopoulos and Labrini Ioannou, Psychologists
Puberty, sex and sexuality challenge many of us as we grow up, and then again as we parent our own children. Supporting a young person through puberty who has a diagnosis of intellectual disability or autism may add layers of complexity associated, for example, with learning and communication, increased vulnerability, the law and ethics. The authors of this book combine enormous wisdom with deep compassion and insight to deliver an uncompromising yet tactful and sensitively written guide presented in plain terms that almost everyone will understand.
Dr Sandy Toogood, Senior Lecturer, Bangor University
As a parent of a teenage boy with an intellectual disability, this book is a must read. It will be my go-to guide for many years to come. With refreshing 'frankness', the book answers questions that parents and carers may have during their child's journey through adolescence.If you need any guidance along your journey, this is the book for you - a powerful dose of encouragement and motivation to 'keep going'.
Joanne Morris, parent

Sarah Brown is a clinical psychologist who specialises in supporting the psychological wellbeing and empowerment of children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the community. Sarah has worked with families and education staff in special schools to promote a social constructionist approach to sexuality, supporting children through everyday interactions and conversations as well as through specific educational programmes. She currently works for the NHS in South Wales with people who have intellectual disabilities.

Freddy Jackson Brown is a clinical psychologist who works in Bristol, supporting children and families with a range of developmental needs, including sexuality and relationships. He has researched mindfulness and acceptance based interventions that can be used in home, school and work settings. He has published over 20 research and professional articles in peer reviewed journals and books. Freddy provides teaching for postgraduate university training courses on child development, disability and communication.