UBC Press The Growing Up Guide for Girls book Paperback

The Growing Up Guide for Girls is a one-stop guide for young girls on the autism spectrum explaining all they need to know about puberty and adolescence. The pre-teen and teenage years are a bumpy time when bodies change, emotions are high and peers are developing at different paces. Using simple, literal language and delightful colour illustrations, this book explains the facts about body changes such as growing hair in new places, periods, wearing a bra and keeping spots away! It gives cool tips on what makes a real friend, what it means to have a crush on somebody, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is beautiful and unique and encourages young girls with autism to celebrate difference! Perfect preparation for the teenage years for girls aged 9-14.

Davida Hartman is a Senior Educational Psychologist in the Developmental and ASD Psychology Department for Carlow and Kilkenny, Irish Health Service Executive. She also consults, lectures and provides training on a range of topics related to supporting and educating children with ASD and other developmental disabilities. She has been working with children and adolescents with ASD for fifteen years as a psychologist and a teacher. Davida received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from Trinity College Dublin, her MA in Educational Psychology from University College Dublin, and she is a Registered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI). She is the author of Sexuality and Relationship Education for Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders also published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Her website can be visited at www.autismsexeducation.com. She lives in Kilkenny, Ireland. Margaret Anne Suggs holds an MA in Visual Communications from the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, and is a proud member of the Illustration Guild of Ireland. When Margaret Anne is not happily drawing in her studio, she is enjoys teaching Illustration at Ballyfermot College of Further Education.