The birds and the bees …oh geez, do we really have to go there? Yes, we do. Our children with special needs are still children who are hungry for information. That need may be delayed or even come early, but the need is still there and we, as their parents, need to monitor what information they are seeking and how much to give them.
When your child is showing obvious signs of puberty – deepening voice, breast buds, body hair, body odor and an intense interest in the opposite gender, it’s that time to start planting the seeds for that conversation.
Several years ago, I worked in a private school for children on the autism spectrum. Many of our adolescent boys and girls were frightened by their changing bodies, and the feelings that came when a handsome young man or little lady (student or staff member) walked by. They didn’t understand what was happening, and it felt strange and crazy.
Keep it Simple
During that time, we engaged our school nurse to give simple lessons on body changes to our adolescent boys and girls separately. As a staff Psychologist, I read books about adolescence and created social stories specific to their areas of question or concern. We validated that these feelings were normal, these bodily changes were normal, and that other kids also went through these changes.
Stay Specific
Then the topic of masturbation became prominent when our boys were spending a great deal of time rubbing themselves in the classroom. More books, more social stories about this natural urge, and where and when it was appropriate (in the bathroom, in their bedroom, behind a closed door).
Parents were engaged to continue the discussion, emphasizing a few key points, but only when there was a need. We answered only their questions as they were asked. Two sentences, then stop. For our students who were shy, they wrote down their questions and we discussed together one on one or responded back in writing.
Wait for the Question
Instead of initiating a conversation about the birds and the bees, wait for your child to ask the question, then answer it. By that point, you will have provided a good amount of information leading up to this question, and so it will naturally flow. For example, you will have already had conversations about female and male anatomy and how it changes, the physical urges, masturbation, menstrual cycles, breasts, and pubic hair. This process may be slow and can take up months or even a year. It’s okay – no need to rush. Just answer the questions as they arise.
Our children are these amazing little creatures who amaze me daily. Their interests, their curiosities, their creativeness is unique and different. Even when they have come out of the same womb! Remember, just answer the question and build on information slowly, and follow your child’s lead!
Dr. Liz Matheis is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified School Psychologist who specializes in working with children with ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and behavioral struggles. She is also mom to three children, one with special needs. Her practice, Psychological and Education Consulting, is located in Livingston, New Jersey.
For More Articles Related to the Birds and the Bees/Children with Special Needs:
- The Birds and the Bees for Children with Special Needs
- Navigating Special Needs Parenting with Older Kids: My Teenager with Disability
- Outside the Box Parenting for Outside the Box Kids
- How to Talk to Your Special Needs Child about Catastrophic Events
- Children with Special Needs: Toilet Habits After Malone (MACE) and Mitrofanoff Procedures
