Pubescence is a normal and healthy part of growing up for everyone. This webinar series is designed for teens with autism and with other developmental disabilities who are just beginning, or in the midst of typical body changes that accompany puberty. Students will learn about privacy, body changes, as well as healthy ways to handle these changes. Each class will incorporate interactive, concrete activities to support learning as well as resources and ideas for parents to reinforce learning at home and in the community.

Terri Couwenhoven, MS, CSE is a well-known certified sex educator and author, specializing in the design and implementation of sexuality programs and resources for individuals on the autism spectrum and other developmental disabilities, their parents, and the professionals who support them. Her gentle, matter-of-fact approach combined with extensive knowledge and experience make her a popular speaker with self-advocates, parents, and professionals around the country.

A Virtual Four Session Workshop Series is for Teens (11 to 16 years of age) and their Parents 

Session # 1 Parent Session  (ONLY for Parents) 

Common Issues and Concerns During Puberty

Saturday, September 24, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M. PST  

Families often experience anxiety when their son or daughter with a developmental disability begins to exhibit changes that occur during puberty. In this workshop, parents will learn about the most frequently identified issues and concerns of parents of tweens with autism and other developmental disabilities. Parents will be provided with practical ways to address them. Ideas for teaching, home activities, and useful resources specifically designed for individuals with developmental disabilities will be shared.

Session #2 Changing Bodies

Session ONLY for Female Teens 

Saturday, October 1, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M. PST   

Participants in this session will be able to:

• Define puberty and it’s role in reproduction for females
•  Identify physical and emotional changes that happen to females during puberty
• Describe menstruation
• Identify variety of ways to manage menstruation ( underwear, pads, tampons)
•  Describe the role puberty plays in reproduction

Session #2 - Changing Bodies

Session ONLY for Male Teens

Saturday, October 8, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M. PST

Participants in this workshop will be able to:

•  Define puberty and its role in reproduction
•  Identify physical and emotional changes that happen to males during 

     puberty

• Describe erections and ejaculations
• Identify ways to handle spontaneous erections
• Describe the role puberty plays in reproduction

Session #3 - Caring for Changing Bodies 

Saturday, October 15, 2022- 2:00-3:30 P.M. PST

Participants in this workshop will be able to:

• Define hygiene and why it matters
• Describe common hygiene products and why they are used
• Identify steps in taking a shower
•  Identify behaviors that contribute to overall health and wellness 

Session #4 - Boundaries and Safety 

October 22, 2022  2:00- 3:30 PM PST 

Participants in this workshop will be able to:

• Describe what a boundary is and why they matter
• Identify socially appropriate boundaries for bodies and private body parts
• Using scenarios, evaluate different behaviors to determine whether they are safe or socially appropriate

Flat Fee of $400.00 for the workshop series.

The workshop series is vendored by Lanterman Regional Center. It may be available to clients of other Regional Centers as well. Inquire with your Regional Center Service Coordinator.

Vendor# PD3625 - Subcode 10PG

Register at info@autismsocal.org

or Call/Text (818) 662-8847