Asperger's Syndrome and Sexuality: from Adolescence through Adulthood. Isabelle Henault, $35.95

Playing the dating game is often tricky: all the more so for individuals with Asperger's Syndrome. How do AS adolescents and their families cope with sexual feelings and behaviour? What help can be given if a man with AS oversteps the mark in expressing his sexuality? How do people with AS deal with intimacy and communication in sexual relationships? In this comprehensive and unique guide, Isabelle Hénault delivers practical information and advice on issues ranging from puberty and sexual development, gender identity disorders, couples' therapy to guidelines for sex education programs and maintaining sexual boundaries. This book will prove indispensable to parents, teachers, counsellors and individuals with AS themselves.

The Aspie Girl's Guide to Being Safe with Men: the Unwritten Safety Rules No-one is Telling You. Debi Brown, $25.95

Aspie girls and women are incredibly vulnerable to having bad sexual experiences with men, whether or not they are interested in pursuing dating and sexual relationships. This book is essential reading for every girl and woman on the autism spectrum, from age 13 upwards. Appreciating that Aspies need explanations to be explicit and comprehensive, Debi Brown provides sound, practical strategies for staying safe in many different situations, sensitively yet honestly explaining what the Aspie's rights and choices are, and how to act on her choices to stay safe. Clear, unambiguous advice is given on abstract issues, including the importance of boundaries and how to recognize and report inappropriate or abusive behaviour. Strategies for improving self-esteem and for overcoming and healing from negative experiences are also included.

This must-read guide for the first time spells out the unwritten safety rules around dating, relationships and sex, and will inform and empower Aspie girls and women to live full and independent lives while staying safe. It will also be a source of valuable insights and advice for the parents,

Autism: I Have Desires Too — My Sexuality. Travis Breeding, $24.95

In a book like no other, Travis Breeding goes where no one has gone before and talks about his Asperger's diagnosis, and his experience with puberty and sexuality. This is anything but the birds and bees.

Sexuality is confusing for teens and young adults on the Autism Spectrum. You'll learn how Hollywood confuses are teens with things seen on television. You'll see how the special interest can play a role in sexuality. You will go through Travis's junior high and high school experiences. You will learn how important it is to teach and develop your child's self esteem before they reach puberty. Most importantly you will learn just how important context really is. This book is a must read for all parents and educators wanting to gain better insight into their children or students.

The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships: Understand Yourself and Make Choices that are Right for You. Emma Goodall, $25.00

Unravelling the complexities of relationships and sexuality, this straight-talking guide will help you to navigate the associated social, emotional and physical issues. Expert advice and real life examples give you the knowledge to reflect on your own sexuality, provide you with information on different types of relationship, and gives you the confidence to decide which type of relationship is right for you. Together with important information on sexual health, this book will help you to understand how to find and maintain a relationship of your choosing in a safe and enjoyable way. Exploring the often unspoken rules of sex and relationships, this book also covers often unaddressed topics, such as:

• what sexual attraction looks and feels like
• how to identify your own sexual identity and preferences (and how they may change)
• what your rights are, and how to stay safe
• having children, or choosing not to, the impact of this on relationships
• how to recognise power imbalances within relationships, and what to do

The Autism Spectrum, Sexuality and the Law: What Every Parent and Professional Needs to Know. Tony Attwood, Isabelle Hénault and Nick Dubin, $39.95

The complex world of sex and appropriate sexual behaviour can be extremely challenging for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and, without guidance, many find themselves in vulnerable situations. This book examines how the ASD profile typically affects sexuality and how sexual development differs between the general population and those with ASD. It explains the legalities of sexual behaviour, how laws differ from country to country, and the possibility for adjustment of existing laws as they are applied to the ASD population. With advice on how to help people with autism spectrum disorder gain a better understanding of sexuality and a comprehensive list of resources, the book highlights the need for a more informed societal approach to the psychosexual development of people with ASD.

Boyfriends & Girlfriends: a Guide to Dating for People with Disabilities. Teri Couwenhoven, $25.50

Everyone knows that dipping your toe in the dating pond can be a little intimidating without first seeking some expert advice! And that's exactly what Terri Couwenhoven delivers in her new book written expressly for teens and adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Boyfriends & Girlfriends explains the dos and don'ts of dating and validates their normal, age-appropriate desire for companionship and romance. The book covers the biggest questions and smallest concerns of every would-be dater, including:

• Who is an appropriate dating partner & who is not
• How to read signals & judge whether the interest is mutual
• How to ask someone out on a date
• How to turn down a date
• How to handle rejection
• What sexual feelings are
• How to work through problems in a relationship
• What to do when a relationship is not working

Written and illustrated for a hi/lo reader, Boyfriends & Girlfriends is perfect for anyone who is already in a relationship, ready to start one, or still only dreaming about it. The guide is also an informative read for parents, counselors, and other support providers.

The Boys’ Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes During Puberty. Terri Couwenhoven, $22.95 (ages 9+)

Puberty is a time when your body changes both inside and out. All boys, including you, will go though these changes between the ages of 9-16. Have you ever wondered what happens during puberty?

THE BOYS’ GUIDE TO GROWING helps you to understand what body changes to expect and how to handle them. It also explains social rules for keeping your body safe and clean. (Includes a Q & A section, many illustrations to enhance the text, and a note to parents.)

Erin’s Period Book. Barb Zimmerman, $23.95

ERIN’S PERIOD BOOK uses factual language, photos and illustrations to explain menstruation. A simple tool for teaching girls with developmental delays how to take care of their menstrual needs at home, school or out in the community.

An Exceptional Children's Guide to Touch: Teaching Social and Physical Boundaries to Kids. Hunter Manasco, $23.95

The rules of physical contact can be tricky to grasp and children with special needs are at a heightened risk of abuse. This friendly picture book explains in simple terms how to tell the difference between acceptable and inappropriate touch, thereby helping the child with special needs stay safe.

Each story covers a different type of touch from accidental to friendly to hurtful and will help children understand how boundaries change depending on the context. It explores when and where it is okay to touch other people, when and where other people can touch you, why self touching sometimes needs to be private, and what to do if touch feels inappropriate.

Exploring Friendships, Puberty and Relationships: a Programme to Help Children and Young People on the Autism Spectrum to Cope with the Challenges of Adolescence. Kate Ripley, $49.95

This evidence-based programme is designed to help young people on the autism spectrum to cope with the many challenges of adolescence. It encourages them to explore their identity, develop their friendships and to begin to think more about adult relationships, tackling the important related issues of puberty, sexuality, gender identity, body image, dress codes, self-care, safety and conventions for touching along the way. Designed to be used either as a 30-consecutive-session programme or to be dipped into as particular issues arise, it contains engaging lesson plans, supplementary activities, take-home tasks, group discussion points and over 200 cut-out-and-use flash cards.

This is a vital teaching resource for educators, educational psychologists and other professionals working with children aged 11+ with ASDs.

Going beyond the facts of life, this book gives professionals candid interviews and personal anecdotes that shows how real-life couples with disabilities handle the joys and challenges of their relationships—courtship, sex, parenthood, disagreements, finances, and more. Readers will also get examples of effective sexuality education techniques and vivid case studies that illustrate key points. With this frank, thorough, and highly readable guide, professionals will better advocate for people with disabilities and help them reap the social and emotional benefits of healthy, responsible, age-appropriate sexuality.

Growing up isn't easy, and the trials and tribulations of being a teenager can be particularly confusing for girls with Autism Spectrum Disorders. This book covers all the concerns commonly faced by girls with ASDs and their parents, from periods and puberty to worries over friendships and "fitting in". The authors give candid and realistic advice on a wide range of important teenage topics.

Providing professional perspectives alongside personal experiences from mothers, daughters and educators, this is a unique and indispensible guide for families and their daughters with ASDs, as well as the teachers and professionals who work with them.

The Girls' Guide to Growing Up: Choices & Changes in the Tween Years. Terri Couwenhoven, $22.95

Here's a book just for girls beginning a new phase of their lives. This appealing and easy-to-follow guide for girls with intellectual disabilities is an introduction to the physical and emotional changes they'll encounter during puberty. Written on a third-grade reading level for preteens or young teenage girls to read by themselves or with a parent, it's filled with age-appropriate facts, realistic illustrations and photos, icons, and a Q&A. THE GIRLS' GUIDE TO GROWING UP advises girls about their changing bodies, privacy issues, and how to feel their best.

Growing Into a Young Lady. Barb Zimmerman, $15.95

Using simple language, photos and illustrations this book shows girls with developmental delays what to expect and how to take care of their changing bodies.

The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! Davida Hartman, illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs, $21.95

The pre-teen and teenage years are a confusing time when bodies start acting with a will of their own, friendships change and crushes start to develop. Using direct literal language and colour illustrations, this book tells boys all they need to know about growing hair in new places, shaving, wet dreams and unexpected erections. It's full of great advice on what makes a real friend, how to keep spots away, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is amazing and unique and encourages young boys with autism to celebrate difference!

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! Davida Hartman, illustrated by Margaret Anne Suggs, $21.95

This colourful illustrated guide for girls is full of facts and advice about growing up, puberty, body image, friendship, crushes and more. Written in literal language and addressing sensory issues, safety, and social skills throughout, it offers an ideal introduction to the teenage years for girls with autism aged 9 to 14.

Hand Made Love: a Guide for Teaching About Male Masturbation. Dave Hingsburger, $80.00 (DVD format)

This book and DVD set aimed at men with developmental disabilities discusses privacy, pleasure and the realities of sharing living spaces with others. The narrator of the video talks about myths and suggests that masturbation can be a way of learning about sex, while the book discusses masturbation from the point of view of both health and pleasure.

Finger Tips: a Guide for Teaching about Female Masturbation. Dave Hingsburger & Sandra Haar, $73.95 (DVD format)

This book and DVD set is aimed at teaching women with developmental disabilities about masturbation. It also confronts typical myths about female sexuality. A gentle, positive film that is clear, graphic and dignified. The book includes a step by step photographic essay about masturbation, and the joy of private time.

Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health. Catherine Davies & Melissa Dubie, $42.95

A curriculum for teaching adolescents/adults with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders and other social challenges.

This comprehensive and well-researched curriculum fills a long-felt need in the autism community — a frank, up-to-date resource on sexuality tailored to the unique characteristics of high-functioning adolescents and adults on the spectrum. The authors present "all you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask/teach", taking into the consideration the learning styles inherent in autism. The curriculum comes complete with lessons, activities, handouts, resources, and more. The accompanying CD contains all the handouts for easy duplication and individualization.

Learning Difficulties and Sexual Vulnerability: a Social Approach. Andrea Hollomotz, $38.95

People with learning difficulties are considerably more likely to experience sexual violence than those without, and for this reason they are often described as 'vulnerable'. This book argues that the act of treating adults with learning difficulties as vulnerable and in need of protection strips them of their autonomy and leaves them with fewer of the skills which are needed to protect themselves from harm. Actions, such as segregation and over-protection, can increase vulnerability.

The author discusses a range of social processes, including sex education, self-determination, friendships, sexual relationships and social inclusion, and examines the risks and benefits associated with each. Drawing on the everyday experiences of 29 adults, the author illustrates how people with learning difficulties can be capable of safeguarding themselves from harm, and makes a range of suggestions for enabling them to become better equipped at managing risk themselves.

Let's Talk Relationships: Activities for Exploring Love, Sex, Friendship and Family with Young People. Vanessa Rogers, $35.95

LET'S TALK RELATIONSHIPS offers a multitude of creative ways to get young people aged 13–19 talking about positive relationships, helping them to stay safe, healthy and happy.

Ideal for groups or one-to-one work, this resource features over 90 tried and tested activities on peer friendships, personal relationships and family dynamics, issues covered include peer pressure, relationship bullying, decision-making, managing conflict at home and family values. They are designed to build assertiveness skills, encourage young people to make positive choices and help them to talk about their feelings.

Life and Love: Positive Strategies for Autistic Adults. Zosia Zaks, $27.95

Written for adults on the spectrum and those involved — parents, spouses, friends — this book is divided into two sections: life and love. In the life section, the author describes and suggests concrete ways to deal with daily living. In the love section, the author includes a broad spectrum of suggestions for different types of relationships and weaves these together with the core concept of self-esteem.

Many people on the autism spectrum have limited knowledge of how to establish or conduct sexual relationships: drawing on extensive research with people on the autism spectrum, the book openly explores the desires, needs and preferences of people with AS in their own words. Attitudes to issues such as gender, sexual identity and infidelity are included, as well as positive advice for developing relationships and exploring options and choices for sexual pleasure.

This accessible book is an invaluable source of information and support for those with Asperger Syndrome and couples in which one or both partners has Asperger Syndrome, as well as counselors and health and social care professionals.

For people with Asperger's syndrome it can be a challenge to get to grips with the social and emotional aspects of puberty, sex and relationships. Making Sense of Sex is a thorough guide written in unambiguous language with helpful diagrams, explanations and practical advice for young people approaching puberty and beyond. This book is ideal for those who need clear, detailed explanations and direct answers to the many questions raised by puberty and sexual maturity.

Managing Puberty, Social Challenges, and (Almost) Everything Else: a Video Guide for Girls. Coulter Video, $36.95 DVD (ages 10 and up)

This DVD for girls nearing or going through puberty builds their knowledge, confidence and self-esteem. The program covers physical, mental and social changes, including clear explanations of menstruation and conception using drawings of the female and male reproductive systems. While appropriate for any girl, it's especially helpful for young women diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome or autism requiring support, or who are naturally shy. The video's content advisers include parents, psychologists, teachers, counselors, autism education experts, an OB-GYN doctor and, most importantly, girls. The program is divided into chapters, so parents and professionals can choose which subjects to share with girls based on their stages of development, and answer their questions afterward. Schools will find this a valuable addition to sex education programs.

Mike’s Crush: Teaching Relationship Skills to Adolescents with Autism, Asperger’s, or Intellectual Disabilities.Nancy Nowell, $35.95 (ages 11 and up)

Young people in middle and high school need to be able to negotiate a wide range of relationships by the time they graduate, without these skills they can struggle in the workplace and have difficulty making new friends. Many parents of children with ASD or intellectual disabilities are worried about loneliness, romantic relationships, puberty, sexual abuse, and sexual behavior that can cause serious problems or may be illegal; and there are good reasons for them to worry about these issues.

MIKE’S CRUSH teaches teens what to do when they have a crush; what behaviors can get them in trouble; and how to recognize when someone is not interested in them. These fun and interactive lessons and videos were specifically designed to help parents and caregivers teach middle and high school relationship skills that will serve them throughout adolescence and adulthood.

Mike’s Crush: Understanding High School Relationships. Nancy Nowell, $205.95

Some adolescents and adults with ASD or intellectual disabilities struggle with loneliness, starting and maintaining friendships, and romantic relationships because they have not developed good people skills.They have a difficult time carrying on a conversation, do not ask questions and learn about others, and don’t listen well. This affects their ability to make friends, have a boy / girlfriend and/or get along at work. Others have more serious problems such as: victimization, post traumatic stress disorder, problematic sexual behavior and sex offending behavior.

Teaching adolescents about intimate and romantic relationships is complex but necessary to keep them safe from sexual abuse or contact with the criminal justice system because of a misunderstanding or lack of knowledge. MIKE’S CRUSH teaches essential adolescent romantic relationship skills to students with autism, Asperger’s, and intellectual disabilities.

These materials teach healthy relationship skills to middle and high school students. The goal of the school curricula and relationship classes is to provide adolescents and adults a safe place to learn new information, watch DVD’s demonstrating healthy and unhealthy relationships, and practice the new skills that are being learned.

• Models the difference between a crush and stalking behavior
• Practices safe relationship skills using role play and video self modeling
• Explores many unspoken high school relationship rules
• Boundaries — Teaching physical, emotional, informational, and relationship boundaries
• Appearance Matters — grooming and taking care of your body
• Sexual Abuse Risk Reduction / Abusive relationships
• Rules and Laws — What happens if you break rules and laws
• Relationship communication skills / how to get to know someone
• Decision-making / being in a healthy relationship

Personal Hygiene? What's That Got to Do with Me? Pat Crissey, $25.95

PERSONAL HYGIENE? WHAT'S THAT GOT TO DO WITH ME is a curriculum developed for students ages 8 to 14 with autism, Asperger's Syndrome, learning and developmental disabilities. It is designed to help them understand how others perceive their appearance and the social implications of neglecting personal hygiene, especially as they navigate the changes of puberty. Simple factual information is accompanied by humorous cartoons that emphasize how others view someone with poor hygiene. Step-by-step cartoons explain exactly what the student needs to do and quizzes and activity pages provide numerous opportunities for repetition and reinforcement of the key points.

The Puberty Video for Boys with Asperger Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder - Level 1. Coulter Video, $36.95 DVD (ages 10 and up)

This video is narrated by a young man with Asperger Syndrome and a neurotypical female co-host and features anatomical drawings and animation. It describes how male and female bodies change during puberty and how to deal with these changes (and urges) in appropriate ways that avoid social, ethical, and legal pitfalls. It includes information about intercourse, periods, pregnancy, birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, and more. The program emphasizes the value of young men waiting to engage in sex until they are mature enough to understand the consequences and make decisions they won't regret. The sections on dating and sexuality include demonstrations of socially expected interactions by age-appropriate male and female actors. This program can help young men deal confidently with a turbulent time in their lives by sharing candid information about what to expect and how to deal with it.

Relationship Building & Sexual Awareness for Kids with Autism: S.T.A.R.S. 2. Susan Heighway & Susan Kidd Webster, $33.95

The original S.T.A.R.S. publication was designed for older teens and adults with developmental disabilities. After meeting and talking about sexuality issues with parents, teachers, service providers and persons with developmental disabilities, the authors became aware of the need for a corresponding training guide for children. Many of the problems in the area of sexuality and sexual abuse that adults with disabilities face could be lessened by early education and prevention. This new volume is an essential tool that provided information and assistance in this field. The same comprehensive approach to sexuality education that was used for the original S.T.A.R.S. guidebook is found in the new volume, Relationship Building & Sexual Awareness for Kids with Autism.

• Why sexuality education?
• Guidelines for parents and support providers
• Learning appropriate behaviors for each type of relationship
• Identifying body parts and understanding their functions
• Building a positive self-image and identity
• Understanding public and private behavior
• And many more!

Sexuality and Relationship Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: a Professional’s Guide to Understanding, Preventing Issues, Supporting Sexuality, and Responding to Inappropriate Behaviors. Davida Hartman, $45.95

Children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders require specialized teaching strategies when learning about puberty, sexuality and relationships. This professional resource offers practical teaching advice geared towards the needs of young people on the autism spectrum. Beginning with information on good practice, policy, teaching methods and recent research, the book then divides into key sex education topics that assist professionals in developing their own individualized and developmentally appropriate curricula. Covering issues of gender, public and private, puberty, hygiene, emotions, sex and more, each topic provides an overview of the difficulties that children with autism might experience, discussion and activity ideas and photocopiable resources including instructional stories, checklists and illustrations. The final section demonstrates how to respond to ongoing patterns of inappropriate behaviour and put together a behaviour plan.

Aiming to explain and support the child's developing sexuality while also addressing crucial issues of safety, this book is a much-needed teaching manual for all professionals working with children and young adults with autism including educators in mainstream and special education, psychologists, therapists and social workers.

Sexuality and Relationships in the Lives of People with Intellectual Disabilities. Edited by Rohhss Chapman, Sue Ledger, and Louise Townson, $43.95

Drawing extensively on personal experiences, this important volume looks at sexuality and relationships in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, painting a genuine picture of the range of sexualities and relationships people want. Honest and reflective, it shows how sexuality has been managed and controlled in different countries. It explores a range of issues such as rights, resilience, protection, sexual oppression and the lack of privacy for those living in care institutions. Co-edited and with contributions by people with intellectual disabilities and allies, this unique book offers an authentic account of the challenges people face and what society needs to do to respect people's rights.

Providing insight into a morally, ethically and legally complex area, this book will be essential reading for people with intellectual disabilities, their advocates, families and supporters; social care managers, social workers, and other professionals working in the field as well as academic researchers and students.

Sexuality and Safety with Tom and Ellie Series.

Ground-breaking and honest, these books will be invaluable additions to the shelves of parents of children with ASD and other developmental challenges, as well as mental health and legal professionals, teachers, carers and other professionals working with individuals with special needs. Each book teaches and reinforces ideas about safety, privacy, and boundaries, while teaching about normal physical and emotional changes during puberty and adolescence.

Ellie Needs To Go: a Book about How to Use Public Toilets Safely for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $17.95

When Ellie is in the park with her father, she needs to go to the toilet. Ellie knows that public toilets are different to her toilet at home. This visual resource helps parents and carers teach girls and young women with autism and related conditions about how to use public toilets safely. It covers the subtleties of social etiquette including where to stand and look, as well as practicalities such as remembering to lock the cubicle door. With simple and effective illustrations throughout, the book is the perfect starting point for teaching independence when using public toilets.

Tom Needs to Go: a Book about How to Use Public Toilets Safely for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $17.95

When Tom is out shopping, he needs to go to the toilet. Tom knows that public toilets are different to his toilet at home. There are urinals and cubicles and he has to decide which to use. This visual resource helps parents and carers teach boys and young men with autism or other special needs about how to use public toilets safely. It covers the subtleties of social etiquette including where to stand and look, as well as practicalities such as remembering to lock the cubicle door. With simple and effective illustrations throughout, the book is the perfect starting point for teaching independence when using public toilets.

Things Ellie Likes: a Book about Sexuality and Masturbation for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $17.95

Ellie likes lots of different things. She likes listening to music and making pizza. There are also things that Ellie enjoys doing in private, like touching her vagina. This accessible and positive resource helps parents and carers teach girls and young women with autism or related conditions about masturbation. It covers when and where it is appropriate and helps to establish boundaries surrounding privacy more generally. With simple but explicit illustrations, this book provides the perfect platform to discuss sexuality with girls and young women with autism or related conditions.

Things Tom Likes: a Book about Sexuality and Masturbation for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $17.95

Tom likes lots of different things. He likes singing and watching TV in the family room. There are also things that Tom enjoys doing in private, like touching his penis. This accessible and positive resource helps parents and carers teach boys with autism or other special needs about masturbation. It covers when and where it is appropriate and helps to establish boundaries surrounding privacy more generally. With simple but explicit illustrations, this book provides the perfect platform to talk about sexuality with boys and young men with autism or special needs.

What's Happening to Ellie? A Book about Puberty for Girls and Young Women with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $14.95

Ellie notices that her body is changing. Hair is growing in new places and there are other changes happening too. Ellie's mum helps her understand that she has started growing into a woman. Following Ellie as she begins to notice changes to her body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach girls with autism and related conditions about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as periods. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with girls and young women with autism or related conditions.

What's Happening to Tom? A Book about Puberty for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions. Kate Reynolds, Illustrated by Jonathon Powell, $17.95

Tom notices that his body is changing. Tom's voice is different and hair is growing in new places. There are other changes happening too. Tom learns that he has started growing into a man. Following Tom as he begins to notice changes to his body, this simple resource helps parents and carers teach boys with autism or other special needs about puberty. It covers all the changes that they will experience, both emotional such as new feelings and physical such as wet dreams. This fully illustrated positive and entertaining book provides the perfect opportunity to talk about puberty with boys and young men with autism or special needs.

Sexuality and Severe Autism: a Practical Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Health Educators. Kate Reynolds, $31.95

Sexual health and sexuality can be difficult subjects for parents and caregivers to broach with autistic children, made more challenging when children are at the severe end of the autism spectrum. Some parents may even question the validity of teaching sexuality to those who are severely autistic. This practical handbook guides you through the process of teaching about sex and sexuality, answering all of the most crucial questions, including: Why is it necessary to teach this subject to my severely autistic child? When is the right time to start talking about these issues? How detailed and explicit should I be? What methods are most appropriate? It addresses male and female issues separately and covers public and private sexual behaviours, sexual abuse, cross-gender teaching and liaising with school, in addition to the more obvious areas such as physical changes and menstruation.

This will be the ideal guide to teaching about sexual issues for any parent, caregiver or health educator caring for a person on the severe end of the autism spectrum.

S.T.A.R.S.: a Social Skills Training Guide for Teaching Assertiveness, Relationship Skills and Sexual Awareness. Susan Heighway & Susan Kidd Webster, $27.95

Specially designed for teaching adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities, the STARS model focuses on four areas: Understanding Relationships, Social Skills Training, Sexual Awareness and Assertiveness—with the goals of promoting positive sexuality and preventing sexual abuse. Assessment tools help identify the strengths and needs of each individual, and then the activities can be catered to address specific needs. Goals and activities cover a variety of important skills:

• Building a Positive Self-Image • Making Choices • Learning Relationship-Appropriate Behaviors • Engaging in Mature Relationships • Identifying Body Parts and Understanding Their Functions • Understanding Public and Private Behavior • Understanding Sexual Feelings and Behaviors • Understanding Reproduction • Health Issues Related to Sexual Awareness • Recognizing a Situation as Potentially Unsafe • Learning to Say “No” and Using Basic Self-Protection • And many more!

Taking Care of Myself: a Hygiene, Puberty and Personal Curriculum for Young People with Autism.Mary Wrobel, $34.95

Specifically designed to address the health and safety needs of students aged five and up with autism spectrum disorders. Through a unique combination of social stories and easy-to-understand activities, whether you're concerned about abuse or just want bath time and doctor's visits to be a more pleasant experience, this book is must-read for those who love and guide students with disabilities.

Talkabout Sex & Relationships 1: a Programme to Develop Intimate Relationship Skills. Alex Kelly & Emily Dennis, $72.70

Talkabout Sex & Relationships 1 is a comprehensive toolkit for all therapists, educators and support staff who deliver relationship education to people with special needs. It is intended primarily to support groupwork but activities can be easily adapted to suit the needs of individuals with varying abilities.

The resource emphasises the importance of happy, healthy and positive relationships. It looks at the life cycle of a relationship from finding a partner, coping with problems, staying safe and maintaining a relationship to dealing with the potential ending of a relationship. This toolkit is the first in a two volume set, the second of which will focus on sex.

Teaching Children with Down Syndrome About Their Bodies, Boundaries, and Sexuality: a Guide for Parents and Professionals. Terri Couwenhoven, $33.95

Drawing on her unique background as both a sexual educator and mother of a child with Down syndrome, the author blends factual information and practical ideas for teaching children with Down syndrome about their bodies, puberty, and sexuality. This book gives parents the confidence to speak comfortably about these sometimes difficult subjects.

In an easy-to-read, non-clinical style, the book covers relevant issues and concerns for children of all ages, as well as later issues that affect teenagers and young adults, including:

• Anticipating and understanding puberty
• Dealing with periods, bras for girls
• Masturbation
• Sharing parental values about sexuality
• Explaining sexual relationships
• Preventing sexual abuse
• Understanding how Down syndrome affects puberty & fertility rates

Each chapter highlights important points with key messages, teaching activities, parental pauses, and anecdotes, all of which prompt readers to stop and consider concepts or values associated with a particular topic. The final chapter covers the special concerns of parents who are now teaching teenaged or adult children about sexuality for the first time. It concludes with extensive appendices containing invaluable teaching materials and illustrations of body parts and functions.

The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability: for All of Us Who Live with Disabilities, Chronic Pain and Illness. Miriam Kaufman, Cory Silverberg and Fran Odette. $27.95

For everyone, men and women of all ages and sexual identities, The Ultimate Guide to Sex and Disability shows you everything you need to know to create a sex life that works for you! Includes:

• The "nuts and bolts" of sex — anatomy, orgasm, masturbation and more
• Building a positive sexual self-image
• How to deal with pain, fatigue and other physical problems during sex
• Sexual positions to minimize stress and maximize pleasure
• Finding partners and how to talk to partners about your disability
• How to discuss sex with physicians and other health care providers
• Safer sex solutions, including alternatives for people with latex and chemical sensitivities
• Plus an extensive collection of sex and disability resources including books, websites and organizations

What Men with Asperger Syndrome Want to Know About Women, Dating and Relationships. Maxine Aston, $27.95

Positive, practical and realistic, this book offers a wealth of information on women, dating and relationships for men with Asperger Syndrome (AS). This practical handbook provides the answers to Asperger men's most frequently asked questions about women, dating and relationships, helping them to understand the way relationships work and increasing their confidence and ability to have successful relationships.

When Young People with Intellectual Disabilities and Autism Hit Puberty: a Parents' Q & A Guide to Health, Sexuality and Relationships. Freddy Jackson Brown & Sarah Brown, $25.95

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 practical guidance on how to overcome problems that commonly arise.

Written for parents and carers of young people with an intellectual disability or autism, this guide provides answers the questions that you may have felt too uncomfortable to ask before. Supported by case studies, the authors offer professional guidance on supporting and responding to your child's emerging sexuality.