The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods - by Robyn Steward (Hardcover)

About the Book

Changes during puberty, such as the onset of periods, are challenging for girls on the autism spectrum. Written from experience by an autistic woman, this straightforward guide to periods helps the reader to prepare in great detail, from hygiene to pain medication and sensory experiences to mood swings.

Book Synopsis

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 illustrations and step-by-step photos of how to change pads and tampons, it discusses alternatives including period underwear and moon cups, and gives information about possible sensory issues for autistic people.

Review Quotes

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 autustic 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

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.--Mr Sanjay Vyas MD FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecologist, President British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

About the Author

Robyn Steward is an autistic woman with experience of mentoring others on the spectrum, and author of The Independent Woman's Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum 2013.