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Bodies & Sexuality
It's important that your child learns about their body and how to keep safe. Puberty can be a tricky time for parents as children goes through significant changes. Keep calm and don't panic - these resources will help.
Awhi Articles
Awhi Article
Signs your child might have been sexually abused
Nobody wants to think about the idea that their child might have bee sexually abused. This guide will help you know if this has happened or not and what to do next.
Awhi Article
My teenager wants to have a...
If you've ever wondered how to support my teenager with having a boyfriend or girlfriend, this guide is for you.
Awhi Article
My child is going through puberty - What is...
What is an intimate care plan? And how can it help your child?
Awhi Article
How do I keep my disabled child safe online?
Keeping your disabled child safe online can be challenging. As parents it's an incredibly important job. Here are tips for online safety.
Awhi Article
How can you strengthen bonds between disabled...
Here at Awhi we are often asked for tips on strengthening the bonds between disabled and non-disabled siblings?
Awhi Article
How can I support my teenager to explore their...
Supporting your teenager to explore their sexuality when they're disabled and neurodivergent is crucial. Here's how to do it.
Awhi Article
How can I help my teenage child to develop a...
Body image and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) can be challenging for neurodivergent and disabled children. Here are tips for building positive body image with and alongside your children.
Awhi Article
How can I help my disabled child navigate the...
Puberty can be especially challenging for neurodivergent and disabled children. This guide will help you understand what is going on with your teen and how you can help.
Awhi Article
How can I help my child manage their periods?
Parents often ask us: How can I help my disabled and/or neurodivergent child manage their periods? We hope this guide is helpful.
Awhi Article
Help! My child is being bullied and I don’t...
It's awful when your child is being bullied. This guide will help you know what to do and how to help.
Awhi Article
Help! How can I teach my teenager that good...
Teaching your child good hygiene is very important for their health and self esteem. Here are some tips and advice for teaching good personal hygiene.
Awhi Article
Autistic children are more likely to be bullied...
Autistic children can face bullying at higher rates than neurotypical children. Here's how parents can help.
Awhi Article
A Guide to Good and Bad Touching for disabled...
Disabled, medically fragile and neurodivergent children can be at greater risk of sexual harm for a number of reasons. This guide will help you navigate important talks with your children.
Books
Book
When young people with intellectual...
"Written for parents and carers of young people with an intellectual disability or autism, this guide provides answers the questions that you may have felt too uncomfortable to ask before....
Book
Things Tom likes :
"A simple picture book to teach boys and young men with autism or other special needs about masturbation and when and where it is appropriate. It also helps to introduce the concepts of public and...
Book
Things Ellie likes :
"A simple picture book to teach girls and young women with autism or other special needs about masturbation and when and where it is appropriate. It also helps to introduce the concepts of public...
Book
The girls' guide to growing up :
"Puberty is a challenging time for all young adults. Now girls with intellectual disabilities can grow up with confidence, benefiting from this very clear, practical and honest guide." - Dr Brian...
Book
The facts of life ...and more :
Gives social workers, teachers, and direct support professionals comprehensive information to educate people with disabilities about sexuality and help them make the best possible choices across...
Book
The bully blockers :
"Tells the story of a boy who witnesses a classmate with autism being bullied and how he decides to get involved. Shows that one child can make a difference when he has the courage to stand up for...
Book
The boys' guide to growing up :
"As a sexuality educator, I applaud Terri for tackling this crucial and sensitive topic in a simplistic and thorough manner. Parents, educators and boys with disabilities now have access to a...
Book
The autism-friendly guide to periods /
Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation.
Book
The Asperger teen's toolkit /
Dealing with the everyday realities facing teens with Asperger Syndrome, this book presents a toolkit of tried-and-trusted ideas to help them work through difficulties and find the solutions that...
Book
The Asperger children's toolkit
"Growing up with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help! These likeable...
Book
Teasing isn't funny :
"Sensitive, narrative text from illustrated animal characters shows readers what emotional bullying is and provides possible solutions to stop it"--
Book
Taking care of myself: a hygiene, puberty and...
Helps teach students with disabilities, and particularly those with autism, the necessary information and skills they need to live safe, healthy lives. Uses social stories to teach self-care...
Book
Stop bullying by taking charge of safety :
"In this book, you will find lessons with explanations, stories, skill practice coaching guides, and Kidpower Safety Signals about: noticing when bullying is happening, what you can do to prevent ...
Book
Special girls' business
Takes a girl and her carer step by step through the process of managing periods. Written for girls with special needs, including intellectual and physical disabilities, communication disorders and...
Book
Special boys' business
This book has been written for boys with special needs. It supports boys, their parents and carers through the changes experienced at puberty.
Book
Sexuality and learning disabilities :
"This brand-new edition of our best-selling handbook, brings the topic fully up to date, with legal changes, latest approaches to supporting relationships and sexuality, plus the inclusion of...
Book
Sexuality and intellectual disabilities :
"This book provides a concise overview of sexuality and gender identity in clients with intellectual disabilities for therapists, social workers, educators, and healthcare providers. It captures...
Book
Sexuality :
Parents describe the joy and challenges of raising children with an intellectual disability. They offer advice and practical strategies to encourage self-esteem and appropriate behaviour, to...
Book
Sex and relationships education for young...
"[This book] provides practical guidance for professionals working with, and parents or carers of, people with co-occurring autism and intellectual disabilities, on how to deliver and adapt sex and...
Book
Secret boys' business /
Secret boys' business assists boys to understand the changes that occur in their bodies during puberty and beyond.
Book
Safety and consent for kids and teens with...
"The developmental challenges of children with special needs means they are often more at risk of physical or emotional exploitation. This book provides invaluable tools to help parents, carers and...
Book
Respect :
Your body belongs to you and you get to set your own rules, so that you may have boundaries for different people and sometimes they might change. Like when you hi-five your friends and kiss your...
Book
Relationship building and sexual awareness for...
"STARS 2 is an adapted version of the original STARS guidebook that is focused of school-aged children. The STARS 2 model concentrates on four areas: Understanding Relationships, Social Skills...
Book
Puberty and special girls
"Provides practical information about growing up and will help girls understand the changes they will experience at puberty. It is easy to understand, includes excellent illustrations and offers...
Book
Private parts are private /
Private Parts are Private reinforces the correct anatomical names children and adults should use for the private parts; and teaches children what they should do if they are touched inappropriately....
Book
Personal Space Camp /
Although Louis knows a lot about outer space, the young boy finds himself sent to Principal Goodkid's office to attend Personal Space Camp after his teacher loses her patience with his behavior.
Book
Perfect targets :
“Perfect Targets provides helpful guidelines for administrators, teachers and parents. The tools are specifically designed/adapted for the challenges faced by students with AS. One of my favourites...
Book
Ouch! moments :
"Explains 'ouch moments' in kid-friendly terms, offers practical strategies for what kids can do to help, and empowers kids to stand up to mean and hurtful language." - BOOK JACKET
Book
On the internet :
On the Internet: Our First Talk About Online Safety introduces children to the basics of online safety in a story-based, conversational style. Using real-world examples set within the context of a...
Book
No more victims :
"The digital world offers a wonderful way to communicate and socialize with others. Yet, it is also rife with the dangers of being victimized emotionally, physically and financially. Trusting...
Book
My underpants rule! /
A fun, easy way to teach children how to protect their private parts. Using a superhero theme, colorful illustrations and child friendly humor, it helps parents/carers/educators gently and...
Book
My body! what I say goes! :
"The crucial skills taught in this book will help children to protect their bodies from inappropriate touch. Children will be empowered to say in a strong and clear voice, "This is my body! What I...
Book
My body belongs to me :
"Without being taught about body boundaries, a child may be too young to understand when abuse is happening--or that it's wrong. This straightforward, gentle book offers a tool parents, teachers,...
Book
More secret girls' business
This is a companion volume to "Secret Girls Business". In addition to information about periods [this book] includes details about physical and emotional changes. It will give girls greater...
Book
Miles is the boss of his body /
"On his 6th birthday, Miles's excitement is dimmed when he finds himself being repeatedly pinched, noogied, hugged too tight, picked up, and tickled by his well-intentioned family-- and decides...
Book
Masturbation, autism and learning disabilities /
"Intimate self-touch and masturbation can pose many difficulties for people with learning disabilities and/or on the autistic spectrum, particularly when it happens in public settings. This frank...
Book
Let's talk about sex /
"Let's Talk About Sex is a sexual health education programme manual for individuals and groups with intellectual disabilities. The manual provides a contemporary, well-structured programme covering...
Book
Let's talk about body boundaries, consent &...
Teaching young children about body boundaries, both theirs and others, is crucial to a child's growing sense of self, their confidence and how they should expect to be treated by others. A child...
Book
Leroy learns about the big P :
"This unique young person's book has been developed by a very experienced NZ counsellor who needed resources to help explain the concepts of personal and private to young clients with a...
Book
Kidpower safety comics :
"In this book you will find: Directions for adults on how to introduce "People Safety" to chilren ages 3 - 10. - Engaging social stories that teach children how to make safer choices and get help...
Book
Kidpower safety comics :
Even if your kids are not big yet, they have big powers. Mouth Closed Power. Stop Power. Walk Away Power. From 'The Trash Can For Hurting Words' to 'The Keep Telling Until You Get Help Story', this...
Book
It's my body :
Your body is amazing! It can move, grow and heal as well as help you think, read and talk. Look after your brilliant body, from eating well to exercising and keeping clean. Respect your body and...
Book
Intellectual disability and the right to a...
"One of the perennial political/philosophical questions concerns whether it is ever justifiable for a third party to paternalistically restrict an adult’s freedom to ensure their own, or society’s,...
Book
How can I tell?: indicators of child abuse and...
Explains how to recognise the signs or symptoms of child abuse and neglect.
Book
Harrison Spader, personal space invader /
"Harrison P. Spader sat a little too close. Shook hands a little too long. High-fived a little too hard. And hugged a little too much. Harrison P. Spader was a personal space invader. But that all...
Book
Growing up guide for girls :
"The Growing Up Guide for Girls is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining all they need to know about puberty and adolescence. The pre-teen and teenage years are a bumpy...
Book
Growing up great! :
"Growing Up Great is a body-positive guide to getting through puberty confidently by respecting the body and all of its changes. From how to handle the physical rollercoaster to coping with...
Book
Female Social Story Books from Me Now
1. Booklet: Having a shower 2. Booklet: I touch myself 3. Booklet: My period 4. Booklet: Using the toilet "Me - a series of educational resources for people with intellectual and learning...
Book
Emily is being bullied, what can she do? :
Meet Emily. She is being bullied by a group of children at school. She describes how this makes her feel, think and act. Eventually, she finds ways to help herself and also realises that she can...
Book
Easing the teasing :
Teaches children and parents how to effectively deal with teasing and develop life-long coping skills. Provides strategies that give children the confidence and self-esteem they need to put an end...
Book
Disability and child sexual abuse :
"Examines the ways in which society marginalises, institutionalises and places disabled children in situations of unacceptable risk, and how - as evidenced in the survivors' narratives - patterns...
Book
Cyberbullying :
"Children and teenagers text, network and twitter online as second nature, but when emails or texts are used to threaten, harass, intimidate or embarrass someone, they can turn from being a source...
Book
Consent :
A child who has learned all about their body boundary and that they are the only person who gets to say who enters it is eager to share this information with others.
Book
C is for Consent /
As "Finn navigates a gathering of relatives and friends, his parents encourage him to make his own choices about whether to receive and offer physical affection. At the end, he uses the lesson he's...
Book
Bullying and ASD :
"Focuses on the tools needed to help children with autism combat bullying. Sadly, bullying has reached epidemic proportions in our schools, causing students both physical and psychological harm....
Book
Boyfriends & girlfriends :
"Boyfriends & Girlfriends is for parents and professionals caring for adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome or other intellectual disabilities. It provides an entryway to discuss the...
Book
Body safety book for kids /
Nina experiences an invasion of her personal space and decides what action to take. Topics include personal space, body bubbles, appropriate and inappropriate touching, and steps to take when...
Book
Bobby and Mandee's too smart for bullies /
Bullies, Beware! This little book is going to have a big impact! In this moral-driven story, Mandee tells big brother Bobby how a bully took all her money. Bobby stresses that she needs adult help,...
Book
Bobby and Mandee's good touch, bad touch /
Introduces the topic of sexual abuse, and how children can protect themselves. Includes questions to gauge the child's understanding, and tips for parents. Author and former Deputy Sheriff Robert...
Book
Be bully free :
"Seeking to empower children who are bullied, this book presents a wide range of common bullying scenarios, before giving practical suggestions on how the recipient can take control in these...
Book
Autism, bullying and me :
"It's not always easy to stand out from the crowd, especially if you're a teenager. There's a lot of information out there on how to deal with bullying, but a lot of it is contradictory or seems...
Book
Asperger syndrome and bullying :
Combines personal life experiences of the author and others. Describes the negative effect bullying has on its victims. Outlines the reasons for bullying and the danger of persistent recurrence if...
Book
Ask first, monkey! :
"Meet Monkey. Tickletastic Monkey. He's the best tickler in the world, ever; even his mum says so. And there's nothing he loves more than tickling ALL his friends at playtime! But what happens if...
Book
An exceptional children's guide to touch :
"The rules of physical contact can be tricky to grasp, especially for children with special needs who are at a heightened risk of abuse. This delightfully illustrated and friendly picture book...
Book
Amazing you :
Presents clear and age-appropriate information about reproduction, birth, and the difference between boys' and girls' bodies.
Book
All about growing up
"This workbook has been designed for young people living with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. It is for them to work through with a parent, teacher or caregiver. It deals with pubertal...
Ebooks
Ebook
When young people with intellectual...
"Written for parents and carers of young people with an intellectual disability or autism, this guide provides answers the questions that you may have felt too uncomfortable to ask before....
Ebook
Things Tom likes :
"A simple picture book to teach boys and young men with autism or other special needs about masturbation and when and where it is appropriate. It also helps to introduce the concepts of public and...
Ebook
Things Ellie likes :
"A simple picture book to teach girls and young women with autism or other special needs about masturbation and when and where it is appropriate. It also helps to introduce the concepts of public...
Ebook
The growing up guide for girls :
"The Growing Up Guide for Girls is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining all they need to know about puberty and adolescence. The pre-teen and teenage years are a bumpy...
Ebook
The autism-friendly guide to periods /
Written by autistic author Robyn Steward, this is a detailed guide for young people aged 9 to 16 on the basics of menstruation.
Ebook
The Asperger Teen's Toolkit
With minimal text and fun, comic book style graphics, this is a treasure trove of information for young people with Asperger Syndrome and their carers. Exploring the science of how the human mind...
Ebook
The Asperger children's toolkit
"Growing up with Asperger Syndrome (AS) can throw up all sorts of challenges, but never fear, The Brain Guru, The Sensory Detective and The Social Scientist are here to help! These likeable...
Ebook
Safety and Consent for Kids and Teens with...
"The developmental challenges of children with special needs means they are often more at risk of physical or emotional exploitation. This book provides invaluable tools to help parents, carers and...
Ebook
Masturbation, Autism and Learning Disabilities :
"Intimate self-touch and masturbation can pose many difficulties for people with learning disabilities and/or on the autistic spectrum, particularly when it happens in public settings. This frank...
Ebook
Be bully free :
"Seeking to empower children who are bullied, this book presents a wide range of common bullying scenarios, before giving practical suggestions on how the recipient can take control in these...
Ebook
Autism, Bullying and Me :
"It's not always easy to stand out from the crowd, especially if you're a teenager. There's a lot of information out there on how to deal with bullying, but a lot of it is contradictory or seems...
Ebook
Asperger syndrome and bullying
Combines personal life experiences of the author and others. Describes the negative effect bullying has on its victims. Outlines the reasons for bullying and the danger of persistent recurrence if...
Ebook
Ask first, monkey! :
"Meet Monkey. Tickletastic Monkey. He's the best tickler in the world, ever; even his mum says so. And there's nothing he loves more than tickling ALL his friends at playtime! But what happens if...
Ebook
An exceptional children's guide to touch
"The rules of physical contact can be tricky to grasp, especially for children with special needs who are at a heightened risk of abuse. This delightfully illustrated and friendly picture book...
Ebook
An aspie's guide to bullying /
"Bullying is a key daily stressor for people with Asperger's Syndrome and this ebook is packed with advice from Aspie mentors who have all been there, done that, and offer suggestions for coping...
Online Resources
Online Resource
Support for child victims of sexual crimes :
"Summarises the types of support available for children (including adolescents) who are victims of sexual crimes in New Zealand and internationally, to help them recover from their experiences and...
Online Resource
Rainbow Youth
New Zealand advocacy organisation. From the website - "We work towards creating social change by providing support, information, resources and advocacy for queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and...
Online Resource
Nest Consulting
New Zealand website. This link is to student question and answers about healthy relationships and sexuality
Online Resource
Modibodi Period Panties
NZ website of the Australian company that sells absorbent underwear as an alternative to disposable hygiene products
Online Resource
KidsHealth :
New Zealand website that gives a brief guide to parents on the difference between normal sexual behaviour and behaviour outside the expected range in each age group.
Online Resource
Information about harmful sexual behaviour
Explains what harmful sexual behaviour is, outlines the law in New Zealand regarding what defines harmful sexual behaviour and includes links to data and research on the extent of harmful sexual...
Online Resource
He Whakaaro :
This report presents a summary of current knowledge regarding discrimination of students in New Zealand schools. It combines previously published research with new analysis undertaken using data...
Online Resource
He Whakaaro :
This paper summarises what we know about bullying in the education system. Bullying has widespread implications not only for the students exposed to it (those who are bullied, those doing the...
Online Resource
Handling disclosures of child abuse
Only a minority of children and young people actively disclose abuse. Most child abuse is disclosed accidently or though observation by an adult of a child or young person’s behaviour, words and...
Online Resource
Bullying-Free NZ :
Bullying-Free NZ is an initiative from the Bullying Prevention Advisory Group (BPAG). BPAG is made up of 17 agencies, who collaborate and are committed to reducing bullying in New Zealand schools....
Online Resource
Body Image Movement
Website of the Body Image Movement. The site includes background about the movement and the founder Taryn Brumfitt, as well as videos and information on BIM initiatives. From the website "Founded...
Online Resource
AWWA Period Underwear
Commercial website of the New Zealand company that sells underwear, including teen period underwear.
Online Resource
Autism friendly periods
Website of Robyn Steward author of "The autism friendly guide to periods" This link gives a short description of period underwear
Online Resource
7 steps for whānau
"Netsafe is New Zealand's independent, non-profit online safety charity. Taking a technology-positive approach to the challenges digital technology presents, we work to help people in New Zealand...
Online Resource
"How bad should it be before I tell someone?" -...
This research explores how people with intellectual disability use the internet and how they experience and deal with online abuse. It also identifies gaps in the support and resources that are...
Research Articles
Research Article
Social vulnerability and bullying in children...
Notes that children with Asperger syndrome have IQs within the normal range but specific impairments in theory of mind, social interaction and communication skills. Aims to evaluate factors that...
Research Article
Risk factors for bullying among children with...
Extends the previous literature on bullying by identifying child-level and school-level risk factors associated with bullying in one of the largest samples of children diagnosed with an ASD across...
Videos
Video
Tara grows up :
A short film about puberty designed to be watched by girls and young women before they have their first period. Should be viewed with families and caregivers, who can be on hand to answer questions.
Video
Bullying : Hot picks from the Library 11
Phil talks about resources about bullying - including addressing isues online. He shows a number of books and refers to some great online information.
Video
Billy grows up :
"Billy Grows Up" is a short film about puberty designed to be watched by boys approaching puberty. It will help them understand the changes they will go through. It should be viewed with families...
The Awhi Ngā Mātua team would like to thank Takai, the IHC Foundation and the Dines Family Charitable Trust for their generous contributions to our work. A huge thank you also to the IHC Programmes team, in particular the IHC Library which has worked so hard to make their remarkable collection available to us.
