Description
Adolescence for autistic young people brings unique physical, social, and emotional changes that require proactive support and clear communication. Physically and mentally, they become different people, and socially they enter uncharted waters of friendships, relationships and unspoken rules. Add in the impact of wider transitions, and it is hardly surprising that many experience mental health difficulties. Written by an autistic author to tackle this problem, Autism and Adolescence offers a complete guide to growing up for the parents and caregivers of autistic youngsters.
Harriet Axbey interweaves specific issues of puberty – physical and emotional changes, and how they may be experienced differently by autistic people – with the wider transitions that occur as a person moves away from childhood toward independence. Issues of friendships, relationships and school are not overlooked, especially with regard to anxiety and avoidance, and all topics are tackled ‘head-on’ in clear, literal, autism-friendly terms.
Author
Dr Harriet Axbey is an autistic early career researcher at Swansea University, UK, where she works on the Wellcome Trust funded project Autism from Menstruation to Menopause. After training as a teacher and gaining a first-class Primary Education degree at Durham University, she completed her Master’s and PhD in Education. Her research focuses on neurodiverse interactions, and on autistic experiences of gynaecological and reproductive healthcare. She is a member of the National Autistic Society, a governor at a local schools federation, a volunteer with the Scouts and Guides, and enjoys water sports and baking.
Audience
Parents and caregivers of autistic people aged 8-16, along with the professionals such as teachers, social workers and psychologists who support them and their families.
Contents
Dedication
1. Introduction
2. Puberty and bodily changes
3. Periods
4. Sleep
5. Emotions
6. Mental health
7. Friendships and relationships
8. Sex and sexual behaviours
9. Gender
10. School
11. Hobbies and holidays
12. Exploitation and grooming
13. The internet and smart phones
14. Substances
15. Independence and growing up
16. Understanding autism research
A final note
Further reading and resources
Details
Publisher: Pavilion Publishing and Media Ltd
ISBN: 9781803884271
Publication Date: November 2026
Pages: 220
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.