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Sexuality and sexual development: teenagers with autism

A guide to share with parents and carers of teenagers with autism. It provides information and practical advice on sexual development, feelings, relationships, health and safety.

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Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab

By Raising Children Network

Published on 2023

How this resource can help

Use this resource to

  • Understand sexual development, feelings, relationships and health for teenagers with autism

  • Share with parents and carers to build their understanding

  • Support parents and carers to have conversations about sexual feelings, relationships and health

  • Help parents and carers to talk with their teen about private places, masturbation, and ‘good’ and ‘bad’ touch

It covers

  • Helping teenagers with autism to navigate sexuality and sexual feelings, relationships and health

  • Talking about privacy, private places and masturbation

  • Tips for protecting teenagers with autism from sexual abuse

Open this resource

Hosted on https://raisingchildren.net.au/ • Opens in a new tab

If you are a parent or carer

You’re in the right place! This is a guide written for you – it can help you understand and support your teenager's sexuality, relationships and sexual health. If you’re worried about something specific, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Last reviewed by Together We Can: 23 July 2026

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Parents and carers

If you’re a parent or carer seeking information or worrying about a behaviour, you're not alone. Find resources to help you understand child sexual development, support safety, and respond to concerns about sexual behaviour.

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It’s normal to have questions about your body, feelings, sex and relationships. If you’re a young person looking for information – head here. We’ve got information just for you.