As children with special needs mature and approach puberty, it becomes important to address sensitive topics that concern teens and adolescents, such as privacy, changes to their bodies, and personal space.
While these topics may feel daunting because of their sensitivity, it’s important for children to be prepared with the knowledge to understand and handle these changes as they occur.
A tool you may use to address teen topics is a social story; told from the child’s perspective, a social story explains a specific scenario that your child or student may experience and how they can appropriately respond in that situation.
For topics such as privacy and personal space, using relatable scenarios can help your student or child better understand the importance of respecting their peers’ space.
Social stories aren’t the only item you can add to your toolkit, there are a number of visual tools, index cards, and Powerpoints you can also incorporate into your lessons to help teens and adolescents prepare and understand changes associated with puberty.
Furthermore, Watson Institute Educational Consultant, Dr. Rachel Schwartz, BCBA-D, has conducted extensive research and prepared guidance for educators and families in the field of sexual education for individuals with disabilities. Topics range from privacy, how to teach body autonomy and consent, and the importance of collaboration between educators and families in teaching sexual education. These topics and Dr. Schwartz’s expert insights can be found on the Watson Institute’s blog.
These social stories may benefit your students. They can be downloaded, saved and edited to suit your needs. The * notation indicates the story is formatted in a Power Point presentation and the ** notation indicates a Power Point with sound narration. Each Power Point has animation included on each slide. Some occur automatically – some occur on a “click”. Feel free to send comments or questions to [email protected].
When you get too close to people
This resource was authored by Watson Institute Special Education Consultant, Rachel Schwartz PhD, BCBA-D.
If you have questions or concerns about the Watson Institute’s use of this information, please contact us.