A comprehensive, evidence-based curriculum with supporting materials for helping young people on the autism spectrum aged 11+ to understand and cope with the many challenges of adolescence, including the important issues of puberty, sexuality, relationships, gender identity, safety and self-care.

Evidence-based curriculum for helping young people on the autism spectrum understand and cope with the many challenges of adolescence.

Introduction. The Development of the Programme. About the Programme. How to Use the Programme. Strength Cards. Tutor Notes. Part I: The Challenges of Early Adolescence. 1. This is Me. 2. Me and My World. 3. Friendships. 4. My Network. 5. Who Do I Trust? 6. Making Friends. 7. Making Friends Online. 8. Gender Identity. 9. We Are All Different. 10. We All Grow Up and Change. 11. Look into the Future. Part II: Puberty and Preparation for Adult Relationships. 12. Understanding Our Bodies. 13. Personal Hygiene. 14. Things People Worry About ? Around Puberty. 15. Expectations About How We Behave. 16. Behaviour in Public Space and Private Space. 17. Expectations Change. 18. What the Law Says. 19. Making Friends. 20. Being a Friend. 21. From Friendships to Relationships. 22. Things Are Not Always What They Seem. 23. Thinking About a Relationship. 24. Eat Well and Be Healthy. 25. A Balanced Diet. 26. Getting to Know You. 27. Reading Hidden Messages. 28. It Takes Two ? Dealing with Setbacks. 29. Building a Relationship. 30. Safe Sex. References. Appendix I: Tutor Notes. Appendix II: Baseline Assessments. Strength Cards. Friendship Cards. Situation Cards. About Me Cards. Personal Space Cards. Actions Cards. Response Cards. Public Space or Private Space Cards. Clothing Cards.