An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch by Hunter Manasco

Short Summary

An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch by Hunter Manasco is a clear, respectful, and inclusive book that helps children understand physical boundaries, different kinds of touch, and personal safety. Originally created for neurodivergent kids, it’s also a fantastic tool for all families looking to start conversations about safe, appropriate touch and consent in everyday situations.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 3 to 10 years.

Topics Discussed

Disability

Note: Sex Ed Rescue is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. See our disclosure for more information.

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch by Hunter Manasco from Amazon.

blank

What this book is about

  • An Exceptional Children’s Guide to Touch breaks down different types of touch into categories like accidental, friendly, hurtful, and touching yourself – making it easier for kids to understand and name their experiences.
  • It teaches children that their body belongs to them and that certain body parts (like the groin, breasts, nipples, and mouth) should not be touched by others.
  • The book includes specific, real-life examples – like what to do when someone bumps into you by accident or when someone wants to take your photo.
  • It talks about body privacy in a straightforward way, including when and where it’s okay to touch yourself. This part is handled with clarity and care, making it a great support for conversations about private behaviour.
  • It also addresses the concept of consent around photography, which lays the groundwork for later discussions about sexting and digital safety.
  • The language and layout are especially helpful for children who are neurodivergent or need more concrete explanations to understand boundaries and social expectations.
  • The illustrations are simple but effective, and the book includes helpful notes for parents and caregivers to support further discussion.
  • While it was originally written for kids with autism, I recommend it for all children – especially if you want to give clear, unambiguous messages about body safety and touch.
blank

Find practical tools to educate kids about sex education in the Sex Ed Shop

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath

Not sure what to teach about sex ed at this age?

This printable checklist shows you the priority topics for this age, simple scripts to try, reassurance for common worries, and the next step to take.

I’ll send you the checklist plus helpful emails about teaching sex ed. Unsubscribe anytime. Privacy Policy 
blank

Cath Hakanson is a qualified family sex educator, sexual health nurse and author with 30+ years of clinical and education experience. As an AuDHD parent of two neurodivergent children, she creates clear, practical sex ed resources that help parents talk about bodies, puberty, consent, porn, relationships and sex without shame or judgement.