Resources for Self-Advocates, Educators and Support People

Online Resources:

Websites and content may change at any time. Always vet resources carefully to ensure they are suitable. In an effort to be really explicit and accessible to all cognitive levels some resources can unintentionally be shame inducing.

  • Able2Learn, Reinventing Learning: Social narratives about hygiene, puberty, personal space and masturbation for people with intellectual disabilities. (drawings)

  • AdaptEd 4 Special Ed: Social narratives about relationships, hygiene, puberty and masturbation for people with intellectual disabilities. (photographs)

  • Elevatus Training: Curriculum and training materials for staff and caregivers of people with IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) by Katherine McLaughlin.

  • Madhatter Wellness: Curriculum for people with intellectual disabilities by Katie Thune.

  • Sex Information and education Council of Canada: Sexual health education videos and information sheets for persons who are on the Autism spectrum or have physical disabilities.

  • My Health Alberta Network: Lesson plans and supporting materials for students with differing abilities.

Literature for Self-Advocates with intellectual disability:

  • Ellie Needs to Go: A book about how to use public toilets safely for girls and young women with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2015 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • Hand Made Love: A Guide for Teaching About Male Masturbation Through Understanding and Video- Dave Hingsburger

  • Things Ellie Likes: A book about sexuality and masturbation for girls and young women with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2015 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • Things Tom Likes: A book about sexuality and masturbation for boys and young men with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2014 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • Tom Needs to Go: A book about how to use public toilets safely for boys and young men with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2014 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • What’s Happening to Ellie? A book about puberty for girls and young women with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2015 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • What’s Happening to Tom? A book about puberty for boys and young men with autism and related conditions. Kate E. Reynolds. 2014 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

  • What Is Sex? A Guide for People with Autism, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Kate E. Reynolds. 2021 Jessica Kingsley Publishers

Reference Books:

  • Autism-Asperger’s & Sexuality; Puberty and Beyond- Jerry and Mary Newport. 2002 Future Horizons

  • Intimate Relationships and Sexual Health: A Curriculum for Teaching Adolescents/Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders and Other Social Challenges- Davies et al. 2012 AAPC Publishing

  • Sexuality and Relationship Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder: for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders- Davida Hartman 2014 Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

  • Sexuality and Severe Autism: A Practical Guide for Parents, Caregivers and Health Educators- Kate E. Reynolds. 2014 Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

  • Teaching Children with Downs Syndrome about Their Bodies, Boundaries and Sexuality: A Guide for Parents and Professionals- Terri Couwenhoven. 2007 Woodbine House

  • The Autism Spectrum guide to Sexuality and Relationships: Understand Yourself and Make Choices that are Right for You- Dr. Emma Goodall. 2016 Jessica Kingsley Publishers.