Book Review
A short overview of this book
Making Sense of Sex by Sarah Attwood is a popular Australian book for autistic children that explain puberty, sex and relationships.
This is a popular book that I often see being recommended. It is an older book though that was first published in 2008, so it hasn’t been updated to reflect the impact of the internet, social media and pornography on young lives.
Sadly there aren’t many books for autistic children about puberty and sex, but I am slowly starting to see more of them be published.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 12 to 14 years.
The publisher suggests that this book is suitable for children aged 9 years and older. Watch the video first before you decide if it is suitable for a child under 14 years of age.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of Making Sense of Sex by Sarah Attwood from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! Welcome to Sex Ed Rescue with Cath Hak. Today, I want to tell you about a really popular puberty book called Making Sense of Sex by Sarah Atwood. This book is specifically designed for autistic tweens and teens, so if you’re a parent looking for an easier way to talk to your kids about love, sex, and relationships, this might be just what you need.
Now, I should mention that this book was published back in 2008, but don’t worry, it’s still highly recommended by many. Sarah Atwood, the author, is married to Tony Atwood, who’s a well-known expert on Asperger’s and autism. Sarah herself is a sex educator and has personal experience with autism in her family. So you can trust that she knows her stuff.
I have to be honest, though. This book isn’t really suitable for younger children, like nine or ten-year-olds. The content and the language might be a bit too advanced for them. But for older kids, it’s great. One thing I’ve noticed is that books written for autistic individuals are often more straightforward and don’t assume you know all the fancy terms. They keep things simple and to the point.
Now, this book is quite thick and packed with information. It covers everything from the changes happening to your body during puberty, to taking care of your body, making healthy choices, and understanding emotions and friendships. Of course, it also delves into the topic of sex, sexual relationships, sexual health, fertilization, pregnancy, birth, and sexual language.
I do want to mention that this book was written before we had a better understanding of gender and sexual diversity. So it might not be inclusive for non-binary, trans, bisexual, or same-sex attracted teens or tweens. Just something to keep in mind.
But hey, if you’re a parent looking for a helpful resource, this book could be a great starting point. And don’t worry, I’ve got a whole list of other books on autism and sexuality that you might find interesting too. So make sure to check that out.
I hope this little summary was helpful to you. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out. Cheers!
