Book Review
A short overview of this book
The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships by Emma Goodall is a straightforward resource that will help autistic teens to navigate the social, emotional and physical aspects of love, sex and relationships.
I really liked this book and appreciated that the author assumes that you know nothing, so the language is direct and meaning cannot be misinterpreted. So many books will assume that you already know the unspoken rules of sex and relationships, but this book is unique in that it explains everything!
So… If I was an alien from another planet and landed on earth, this book would help me to understand the complexities of love, sex and relationships. So it is a fabulous resource for autistic teens who are struggling to understand crushes, dating and having a romantic (or sexual) relationship.
You can learn more on this page, about how to talk to kids about sex education.
Ideal Age
Ideal for older teens and young adults.
Buy this book
✅ Buy a copy of The Autism Spectrum Guide to Sexuality and Relationships by Emma Goodall from Amazon.
Video Transcription
A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener
Hey there! I’m Cath Hak, and welcome to Sex Ed Rescue. So, Sex Ed Rescue is my website where I help make sex ed easier for you. Sorry if I sound a bit off today, it’s Saturday morning and the birds are chirping. I’ve only had half a cup of tea, and I need to return these books to the library.
This is my first video for the day, so my brain isn’t functioning at its best. What was I saying? Right, Sex Ed Rescue is where I assist parents in finding a better and easier way to talk to their kids about sex. And let me tell you, books are a parent’s best friend. Seriously, most of the conversations I’ve had wouldn’t have been possible without them. They help you kickstart those important discussions.
Now, let’s talk about this book written by an Australian academic who is also autistic. Now, I’m still getting used to all the jargon and people-first language, so forgive me if I stumble a bit. It takes me forever to change my language habits, but I’m working on it.
This author knows their stuff. They’ve done extensive work in this field and have worked with many people on the spectrum. What stood out to me about this book is how direct it is. The author talks about various topics and even addresses jokes people make about sex. They explain why people make these jokes, assuming that you might not understand the social behaviors or cues. It’s really helpful.
This book is incredibly comprehensive. It covers a wide range of topics like gender, different types of relationships, understanding your own sexuality, understanding others’ sexuality, starting relationships, differentiating between sexual and non-sexual relationships, meeting people online, healthy relationships, ending relationships, and even long-term relationships.
It also talks about sex and sexual pleasure, including conversations you might have with your parents. It’s a thick and heavy book, but if you have a teenager on the spectrum, I highly recommend it. It treats your child as if they’re a Martian who just landed on Earth and doesn’t know how people work. It’s a guide to understanding social interactions.
What I love about this book is that it’s not condescending at all. It’s written in a simple and straightforward way. I often recommend it to parents who struggle with discussing these topics. It breaks everything down into simple steps, just like what I do with Sex Ed Rescue. I simplify everything so it makes sense and you can apply it to your conversations with your kids.
Anyway, I really love this book, and I think it’s a great resource for parents with teens and even parents who struggle with these conversations themselves. I hope that was helpful. Enjoy your weekend, or whatever day it is when you watch this video. Cheers!
