The Growing Up Book for Boys by Davida Hartman

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, and today I want to talk about an awesome book for boys with autism that covers all the important stuff about growing up and going through puberty. It’s called The Growing Up Book For Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know by Davida Hartman. This book is pretty new, published in 2015, and it’s a real gem.

What I love about this book is that Davida Hartman is a psychologist in Ireland who specializes in working with kids on the autism spectrum. So you can trust that she really knows her stuff. At the back of the book, she even provides advice for parents and professionals, explaining what the book is about, why kids need it, and when and how to use it. She also includes a list of other recommended books and resources, and she has her own website too, which I’m definitely going to check out because I bet it’s filled with great stuff.

So, what’s this book all about? Well, it covers a lot of important information about the changes that happen to your body during puberty. It talks about how our bodies are amazing and beautiful, and how we start getting hair in new places. It even addresses the topic of shaving, because hey, sometimes we might want to get rid of that hair. The book also talks about penises and how they come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s important to know that everyone is unique!

The book covers other important topics too, like voice changes, erections (which happen more frequently during puberty), and even wet dreams. However, I did notice that it doesn’t mention masturbation, which is a bit surprising. But don’t worry, I’ve looked into Davida Hartman’s other work, and she definitely includes advice about teaching this topic. So, there must be a reason why it’s not in this particular book. The book also touches on hygiene, because let’s face it, things can get a bit smelly during puberty. It offers tips on how to take care of your skin and deal with pimples.

Puberty isn’t just about physical changes, though. Our emotions can also go through some ups and downs. This book acknowledges that, which I think is really important. It talks about crushes, although it only shows pictures of girls. I’m not sure why it doesn’t mention same-sex attraction, but I have a hunch that it might be due to cultural factors. Ireland is quite conservative and has strong Catholic influences, so same-sex relationships can sometimes be seen as wrong. But hey, crushes can happen on anyone, whether it’s a friend, an actor or actress, a teacher, or even a friend’s big sister.

The book also emphasizes the importance of maintaining friendships and making an effort to keep them strong. It touches on internet safety too, reminding us to be cautious about what we share online and to avoid unsafe content. Towards the end, there’s a section on body safety and the importance of saying no when necessary. The book wraps up by reminding us how wonderful our bodies are and how beautiful we all are.

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that there’s also a book for girls that covers similar topics. So, if you have a sister or a friend who might benefit from it, be sure to check it out too!

Overall, I think this book is fantastic. It’s beautifully illustrated, and the information inside is accurate, simple, and direct. It’s exactly what boys on the autism spectrum need to navigate the changes of puberty. Sure, it doesn’t cover everything like masturbation or pornography, but it does address important issues like staying safe online. So, if you’re looking for a helpful resource, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

I hope this review has been helpful to you. If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to reach out. Take care!