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. Created in consultation with young people, an online survey and a group of medical professionals, this is a book that teaches all people about periods, which can be a scary and overwhelming issue.

Promoting the fact that everyone either has periods or knows someone who does, the book reduces the anxiety girls face in asking for help. It offers direct advice on what periods look and feel like and how to manage hygiene and pain. It also breaks up information using flaps and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives to tampons and pads, and gives information about possible sensory issues for people with autism.

Table of Contents

1. Biology;
2. Pads or tampons;
3. Sensory experience;
4. Executive functioning;
5. Emotions

"This book is excellent. Robyn has removed the stigmas and made discussion of periods part of growing up. She is to be congratulated on her clarity of thought, put to wonderful use in demystifying everything about periods. The book should be part of educating all young women. "
- Sanjay Vyas, MD FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecologist, President British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

"As an autistic healthcare professional, I highly recommend THE AUTISM-FRIENDLY GUIDE to PERIODS. Robyn Steward has done a spectacular job of writing this extremely necessary book for all young females on the autism spectrum. All aspects of this natural process are well covered. While this topic may be squeamish to some, it must be addressed. Kudos to Steward for this book which will help young autistic girls understand their periods and everything they need to know to best cope and care for themselves."
- Anita Lesko, BSN, RN, MS, CRNA, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, author of The Complete Guide to Autism & Health Care

"In this fantastic, important and really useful book written by an autistic woman, Robyn explains periods in a kid-friendly, autism-friendly, human-being friendly way. Highly recommended!"
- Sarah-Jane Critchley, Author of ‘A Different Joy: The Parents Guide to Living Better with Autism, Dyslexia, ADHD and More...’ , Parent and Keynote Speaker