Exploring Friendships, Puberty and Relationships: A Programme to Help Children and Young People on the Autism Spectrum to Cope with the Challenges of Adolescence

This evidence-based program is designed to help young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) to cope with the challenges and confusion of the adolescent years. It encourages them to explore their identity, develop their friendships and think more about intimate relationships, and tackles the important issues of gender identity, body image, dress codes, self-care, safety, conventions for touching and sexuality. Designed to be used either as a 30 session program or to be dipped into as particular issues arise, it contains engaging lesson plans, activities, homework tasks, discussion points and cut-out-and-keep flash cards. This is a vital resource for teachers, SENCOs, educational psychologists and other professionals working with children aged 11+ with ASDs in SEN and mainstream settings.