The Growing Up Guide for Girls by Davida Hartman

Short Summary

The Growing Up Guide for Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know by Davida Hartman is a clear, supportive, and thoughtfully illustrated puberty guide designed specifically for autistic girls. Written by a psychologist who specialises in working with children on the autism spectrum, this book covers both the physical and emotional changes of puberty in a practical, reassuring way.

Age Group

Suitable for children aged 9 to 14 years.

Topics Discussed

Autism | Disability

Buy a Copy

Buy a copy of The Growing Up Guide for Girls by Davida Hartman from Amazon.

What this book is about

• The Growing Up Guide for Girls explains the physical changes of puberty, including periods and body changes, in a clear and structured way.
• It includes practical self-care tips to help girls manage puberty-related changes with confidence.
• Emotional changes are explored in detail, with strategies for recognising feelings and coping when things feel overwhelming.
• The book covers friendships, including how relationships can change during puberty and how to navigate common social challenges.
• It introduces topics like crushes and appropriate behaviour in a straightforward, concrete way that suits autistic thinking styles.
• Online safety is addressed, helping girls understand how to stay safe and make good choices in digital spaces.
• The illustrations support understanding by visually reinforcing key ideas, which is especially helpful for visual learners.
• While it doesn’t include information about masturbation or pornography (likely due to its 2015 publication date), it still provides a strong and well-rounded foundation for puberty education.

I hope you find this book review helpful!

Happy talking!
❤️ Cath