Teaching Periods to Autistic Teens: A Guide

For others, these changes can even interfere with executive functioning, making it harder to plan ahead, remember hygiene steps, or make decisions.

Using Visuals and Stories to Teach

For autistic teens, clear visual tools and social stories can make a big difference in how they understand periods. Many young people on the spectrum benefit from having information presented in a concrete, step-by-step format.

Books and simple diagrams can explain what a period is, why it happens, and how it might feel. Videos that show real people managing their periods can also be very helpful, especially when they use plain language and focus on real experiences.

Social stories are short, personalized narratives that describe everyday situations. A social story about menstruation might include what to do when bleeding starts, how to use a pad, how to tell a trusted adult if they are confused, and how to handle feelings that come up. 

These stories work best when they are created together with the teen and reflect their specific concerns.

Visual schedules are also useful. These can show when to change a pad, where supplies are kept, and what to do if something unexpected happens. By following a clear visual schedule, teens gain independence and know what to expect, which reduces anxiety.

Teaching Self-Management Skills

Helping autistic teens manage their own periods is an important step toward independence. To do this well, we need to focus on simple, repeatable routines.

Start by showing them the different kinds of sanitary products available. This could include pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and period underwear. Allow them to touch and explore these products before they ever need to use them. 

Some teens may feel more comfortable using pads, especially at first, because they are easy to see and change.

Demonstrate how each product works in a calm and private setting. Using dolls or mannequins can be helpful for visual learners. You can also use role-playing to go over what to do if they need to change a product at school or in public.

Work with your teen to build a plan for managing periods in different environments. 

For example, if they are at school, where can they go to change their pad? Who can they ask for help if something goes wrong? Practice these situations before they happen to build confidence.

Creating a bathroom kit with everything they need can help them feel prepared. Having this kit ready at all times means fewer surprises.

Preparing the Right Way

Start teaching about periods early, before the first period arrives. This gives teens time to learn gradually and ask questions as they become more curious. Use simple explanations and repeat information often. It is okay to start small and build up over time.

Try to include both the emotional and physical sides of periods in your teaching. Talk about how their body might feel, what emotions might come up, and what to do when they feel overwhelmed. 

Offer reassurance that all these feelings are normal and that help is always available.