The Growing Up Guide for Girls by Davida Hartman

Book Review

A short overview of this book

The Growing Up Guide for Girls by Davida Hartman is a guide for girls on the autism spectrum around puberty and growing up.

A book about puberty for girls on the autism spectrum. Includes all the physical changes and how to care for their changing body. Also includes emotional changes, friendships, staying safe online, body safety and having a crush on someone (doesn’t include liking someone of the same sex and assumes that girls will like boys).

This book does not discuss sexual intercourse, masturbation or sexy thoughts.

Ideal Age

Ideal for children aged 9 to 14 years.

Buy this book

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

Video Transcription

A transcription in case you are more of a reader than a listener

Hey there! I’m Cath Hak from Sex Ed Rescue, where we discuss all things related to puberty and growing up. Today, I want to tell you about a fantastic book called The Growing Up Guide For Girls: What Girls on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know by Davida Hartman, a psychologist in Ireland who specializes in working with children on the autism spectrum.

This book is a gem! It’s beautifully illustrated and covers all the important stuff about puberty. It talks about the physical changes that happen during this time, like periods, and gives great tips on how to take care of yourself. But it doesn’t stop there! It also dives into the emotional changes that come with puberty and offers suggestions on how to handle them.

What I really appreciate about this book is that it goes beyond the basics. It discusses topics like crushes and appropriate behavior, as well as friendships and how to navigate their ups and downs. It even touches on the importance of staying safe online, which is so relevant in today’s digital age.

Now, I did notice that the book doesn’t mention masturbation or pornography, but that’s understandable. It was published in 2015, and these are still relatively new topics that many authors are hesitant to address, especially when it comes to books for children. But overall, the information in this book is top-notch and covers a wide range of important subjects.

I must admit, I didn’t find an index or specific mention of certain topics like masturbation, but I might have missed something. I’ll take another look and update you if I find anything. But don’t worry, this book still provides a wealth of valuable information.

So, if you’re looking for a resource that not only covers the physical changes of puberty but also addresses emotions, friendships, and online safety, this book is definitely worth checking out. The illustrations are beautiful, and the information is fantastic. It’s a great resource for any girl, regardless of whether she’s on the autism spectrum or not.

I hope this review helps you make an informed decision. Happy reading!

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