Book Review
A short overview of this book
The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward is an English book that provides a detailed guide for young people about menstruation (or periods).
This is one of the few books on menstruation (or periods) that has been written by an autistic author and in consultation with young people, an online survey and health professionals. Which means it is straightforward, positive and inclusive. So instead of talking about girls, it talks about ‘people who have periods’ or ‘people who don’t have periods’.
What I really liked about this book is that it contains photos instead of diagrams. This is extremely rare in a puberty book.
Promoting the fact that everyone either has periods or knows someone who does, the book reduces the anxiety kids face in asking for help. It offers direct advice on what periods look and feel like and how to manage hygiene and pain. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.
Books like this are important as it reassures young people about what to expect as well as how to manage their periods. This can be an anxious stage for many young people, and I think this book will help parents to ease their child into the next phase of life.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for children aged 10 to 14 years.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods by Robyn Steward 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. I’m here to help parents find a better way to talk to their kids about sex. If you’re curious about sex education, you’ve come to the right place!
Today, I want to talk about a fantastic book called The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods by Robin Stewart. This book, published in 2020, was specifically written by an autistic person for autistic kids, tweens, and teens. It’s backed up by facts and input from other experts, so you know it’s reliable.
Let’s dive into what this book covers. It starts with the basics: what periods are, who has them, and why some people don’t. It also explains why it’s important for everyone to know about periods, even if they don’t experience them. The book then explores the internal parts of the body involved in periods and explains the menstrual cycle in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Next, it delves into period products. It discusses how to prevent blood and uterus lining from making a mess and introduces options like tampons, pads, cloth pads, cups, and period underwear. It even covers where to keep them and how to dispose of them properly. The book addresses common concerns about periods, such as the amount of blood, leaks, cleanliness, pain, and mood swings. It also explains what else happens during a menstrual cycle and how to predict when periods will start.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed? Don’t worry, the book has you covered! It provides guidance on who to talk to about periods and what’s considered normal or not. It even helps you create a period plan to handle different situations. And here’s the best part: the book includes step-by-step photos to make everything crystal clear. It’s the first published book I’ve seen with such realistic visuals, and I think it’s fantastic!
Now, let’s talk about the book’s approach. It presents information in a factual and straightforward manner, making it easy to understand. The target audience is 9 to 16-year-olds, but keep in mind that every child is different. Some nine-year-olds who are just starting their periods might find it a bit overwhelming, so use your judgment and choose what works best for your child.
The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods also addresses sensory issues that can arise when using pads or period pants, as well as executive functioning challenges. It covers everything you need to know!
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It’s informative, inclusive, and uses real-life photos to help kids grasp the concepts. So, if you’re looking for a resource to support your child’s understanding of periods and puberty, give this book a try. I hope you find it helpful!
Cheers!
