Autism and puberty

[Americano75]

My daughter is still only 10 but thought it best to post here to benefit from others' experience.

DD has well and truly started puberty, breasts started to develop a few months ago but just noticed that her pubic hair is coming in now. I've also noticed mood swings etc.

The problem I have is that she completely shuts down when I try to talk to her about the changes that are happening to her body, so I really could use some advice or suggestions on how to navigate this with her. She's also dyslexic and isn't a fan of reading so I can't rely on the usual book suggestions, as I'd need to read them with her and she might not want to.

Any advice? TIA!

Operation ouch did a good puberty special which you might find on iPlayer/YouTube.

DS was not great at reading so clips like this worked better than a book for him.

Operation ouch, you tube etc were best.
I also gave ds and dd the Osborne book on puberty as there's lots of pictures.
For dd I also made up a pack with spare knickers, pads, nappy sacs, wipes etc. Popped it all in a make up bag in the bottom of her school bag, because I knew she'd never tell a teacher.
As dd has got older she's been more open about asking me to try things eg tampons but won't discuss.

I second Usborne’s book so DD can look at the pictures. I think Listening Books has it as an audiobook if that would woek.

Down’s Syndrome Scotland do free easy read puberty booklets called Let’s Talk About Puberty and Let’s Talk About Periods. Obviously DD doesn’t have DS but you may still find the resources helpful. Books Beyond Words do a picture book about periods called Susan’s Growing Up too.

Guys, thanks so much for the advice, it's very much appreciated. Book ordered, and had a quick chat with her when she came home from school (she couldn't even look at me, she gets so embarrassed). Also popping out to the shops in a bit to pick a nice toiletry bag to take her emergency bits to school in.

DD may find period pants easier.

Does DD have an older teen/young adult female family member/family friend who would talk to her? DD may find it less embarrassing.

Definitely going for period pants, I wish they had existed when I was first having periods!

I don't think she would want to talk to anyone else to be honest, although my eldest would happily do so.

Seconding period pants and reusable pads - DD finds them easier on the sensory side than disposable ones.

She might just surprise you. Once she got 'over it' a bit DD is surprisingly blunt about it all.