Body Changes Slides Lesson 1: Growing Up & Body Changes
Body Boundaries Series
My Changing Body: Understanding Puberty
Your body is growing every single day. Learning what is happening helps you feel calm, confident, and in charge of yourself.
Normal & Natural
Every boy grows up
Body Ownership
Your body belongs to you
Clear Rules
Public vs. private rules
What is Puberty?
A Natural Stage of Life
A Time of Growth
Puberty happens roughly between ages 9 and 14. Your brain sends signals to help you grow from a child into a young adult.
Every Body is on Its Own Schedule
Some people start earlier; some people start later. Both timelines are completely normal and healthy.
Key Things to Remember:
1 You have done nothing wrong when your body changes.
2 New feelings and sensations are normal parts of growing.
3 You can ask trusted adults any question without shame.
Knowing about body changes helps you stay safe, healthy, and respected.
Physical Changes You Might Notice
Common Puberty Changes
Growth Spurts
Getting taller fast, clothes feel tighter, feet grow quickly.
Wear comfy clothes
Body Hair
Hair starts growing under arms, on legs, and around private parts.
Normal protective layer
Voice & Sweat
Voice gets deeper; daily showers and deodorant become important.
Daily hygiene helps
Private Parts
The penis and testicles grow and become more sensitive to touch.
Covered by swimsuits
Private parts are the areas covered by a bathing suit or underwear: penis, testicles, and buttocks.
Bodily Reflexes: Erections Happen Naturally
Automatic Reflexes
What is an Erection?
Blood flows into the penis, making it firm and stand out. It happens to every biological male during puberty.
It is an Automatic Reflex
It can happen for no reason at all, from tight pants, when waking up, or from touching. You did not cause it intentionally.
It Goes Away on Its Own
You do not need to touch it or panic. If you sit calmly or think about school or a hobby, it will soften in a few minutes.
Important rule: If you get an erection in public (like at school), keep your hands outside your pants. It will pass safely on its own.
The Privacy Golden Rule
Lesson 1 Takeaway
Clear & Simple Social Rule
"Private parts stay inside my clothing in public."
"I only look at or touch my private parts in a private place with the door closed."
In Public Settings
Hands stay outside clothes at all times.
In Private Settings
Bathroom or bedroom with closed door.
Next Lesson: Exploring Public vs. Private Places in detail.
Body Changes Handout Lesson 1 Handout
My Changing Body & Puberty
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
What is Puberty? Puberty is the natural time when your body changes from a boy into a young adult. Every biological male goes through puberty. These changes are healthy, normal, and nothing to feel nervous or ashamed about.
Four Changes That Happen in Puberty
1 Growing Taller Quickly
Your bones and muscles grow fast. Your pants or shoes may suddenly feel tight. You might feel hungrier or need more sleep.
2 New Body Hair
Hair begins to grow under your arms, on your legs, and around your private parts (called pubic hair). This is completely normal.
3 Deeper Voice & Body Sweat
Your vocal cords grow, making your voice sound lower. Sweat glands activate, meaning daily showers and deodorant keep you fresh.
4 Private Parts Growth
The penis and testicles grow in size. They may feel more sensitive to touch or movement against underwear.
Fact Sheet: What is an Erection?
An erection happens when blood flows into the penis, causing it to become firm and point outward. This is an automatic bodily reflex , just like blinking or sneezing. It can happen when waking up, when clothes rub, or for no reason at all.
What it means: It means your body's circulatory system is working normally. You did not do anything bad.
What to do in public: Leave your hands outside your pants. Think of a neutral topic. It will go away on its own.
The Golden Rule of Privacy
"Private parts stay inside pants when I am in public. I only touch my private parts in private places with the door closed."
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 1: Student Guide • Page 1 of 2
Check Your Understanding
Puberty & Privacy Practice
Page 2 of 2
Part A: True or False Statements
Read each statement below. Circle TRUE or FALSE .
1. Puberty is a normal, healthy stage of growing up that happens to everyone.
TRUE FALSE
2. If an erection happens at school, you must put your hands in your pants right away.
TRUE FALSE
3. An erection is an automatic bodily reflex that goes away naturally on its own.
TRUE FALSE
4. Private parts are the parts of the body covered by a swimsuit or underwear.
TRUE FALSE
Part B: Vocabulary Match
Body Changes Facilitator Guide Educator & Specialist Guide
Facilitating Lesson 1: Body Changes
Target Age: 10–12 Years
Format: 1:1 or Small Group
Core Instructional Stance: Non-Shaming & Concrete
Autistic boys experiencing puberty often touch themselves in public not out of defiance or sexual deviance, but due to sensory feedback, bodily confusion, habit, or unmonitored physical reflexes . Our posture must be calm, matter-of-fact, anatomically correct, and free of moral judgment or disgust. Shame increases anxiety, which often exacerbates self-soothing repetitive touching.
Recommended Scripting vs. Phrases to Avoid
Recommended Neutral Phrasing
Phrases to Avoid (Triggers Shame or Ambiguity)
"Your body is growing up. Erections are a normal reflex."
"Stop doing that dirty / nasty thing."
"Hands stay outside clothing when people are around."
"Don't touch yourself, you're being bad."
"That is a private part of your body. That belongs in private."
"Stop playing with your 'thing' / euphemisms."
Autistic & Sensory Considerations
Tactile Sensitivity
Underwear seams, tight waistbands, or rough denim can cause intense irritation or accidental stimulation. Check clothing fit first.
Interoception Deficits
Many autistic youth cannot easily identify a full bladder vs. an erection vs. skin itch. Explicit check-ins help differentiate signals.
Literal Interpretation
Avoid metaphors like "be a big boy." Use concrete physical parameters: "Hands above belt," "Door completely shut and latched."
Lesson Delivery Checklist
Deliver one-on-one or in a small, secure, single-gender setting to preserve maximum dignity.
Keep tone neutral, scientific, and unhurried (similar to explaining brushing teeth or wearing a seatbelt).
Reiterate that having private body parts is normal, healthy, and good—it is strictly the place that matters.
Ensure communication devices (AAC) have programmed symbols for "private break," "itch," and "need bathroom."
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 1 Facilitator Guide Confidential Instructional Support
Public Spaces Slides Lesson 2: Locations & Boundaries
Body Boundaries Series
Public vs. Private: Knowing Where You Are
Different places have different rules. Learning the difference between public places and private places helps everyone feel comfortable and safe.
Public Places
Where other people can see or hear you
Private Places
Where you are completely alone with door shut
What is a Public Place?
People Can See You
A place is PUBLIC whenever another person is there, could walk in, or could see you.
Common Public Places:
Classroom
School Hallway
Cafeteria
School Bus
Park / Playground
Family Living Room
Public Place Rule:
"All clothing stays on. Hands stay OUTSIDE clothing at all times."
Even if you are sitting at your desk or behind a table, people can notice movements. Hands remain visible and outside your pants.
Did you know? Even your living room at home is public if family members can walk in!
What is a Private Place?
You Are Fully Alone
The 3 Private Conditions:
1. Nobody else is in the room. You are completely by yourself.2. The door is closed (and locked if it is a bathroom).3. Windows are covered so people outside cannot see inside.
Bathroom Stall / Single Restroom
With the door shut and latched. Used for peeing, wiping, adjusting clothing, and washing hands.
Your Bedroom at Home
Only when the door is closed all the way and you are alone. Used for dressing, sleeping, and private body time.
If the door is open, the room is NOT private yet. Always close the door first!
The "Closed Door" Rule: Step-by-Step
Clear Action Steps
1
Enter Room
Walk all the way inside the bathroom or your bedroom.
2
Turn & Shut Door
Pull or push the door until you hear it click shut. Turn lock if available.
3
Take Care of Body
Adjust clothing, use the toilet, wash hands, or take care of private needs.
4
Clothes Fully On
Pants zipped and buttoned BEFORE you open the door to exit back to public.
Rule Check: Never unlock or open the door while your pants are unbuttoned or pulled down.
Public Private Sorting Worksheet Lesson 2 Worksheet
Public or Private Place Sorter
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
PUBLIC PLACE: Other people are here or can see you. Hands stay OUTSIDE clothes at all times.
PRIVATE PLACE: You are alone AND the door is closed/locked. Okay to take care of private body needs.
Part 1: Classify Each Location
Look at each place below. Decide if it is PUBLIC or PRIVATE . Check the correct box and write why.
1. School Library at a study table
Other students and librarians are reading nearby.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
2. Bathroom stall with door locked
Door is closed, lock is turned, you are inside alone.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
3. School bus on the way home
Driver and students are sitting in seats around you.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
4. Family living room watching a movie
Parents and siblings can walk in at any minute.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
5. Your bedroom with door closed and latched
Nobody else is in the room and door is shut.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
6. School playground during recess
Teachers, playground aides, and classmates are outside.
PUBLIC PRIVATE
The Door Rule: If you are in a bedroom or bathroom, but the door is open, is it private? No! The door must be completely closed.
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 2 Worksheet • Page 1 of 2
Real-World Decisions
What Is The Best Choice?
Page 2 of 2
Read each scenario carefully. Choose the correct, respectful action that follows public and private rules.
1 Scenario: The Itchy Underwear Tag
You are sitting at your desk during science class. Your underwear tag is scratching your skin and feels very uncomfortable. What should you do?
A. Reach down inside your pants right now to pull the tag off.
B. Raise your hand, ask for a bathroom pass, go into the private stall, and adjust your clothes with the door locked.
C. Stand up in front of the class and pull your pants down to fix it.
2 Scenario: Sudden Erection on the Bus
You are riding the school bus home. You notice you have an erection, even though you were just looking out the window. What should you do?
A. Panic and put your hands inside your pants to try to push it down.
Privacy Rules Pocket Cards Visual Support Tool
Privacy Rules Pocket & Desk Cards
Print: Cardstock / Laminate
Use: Discreet Prompts
Cut along the dashed lines. Laminate for durability. These cards can be kept in a pocket, pencil case, taped discreetly to a desk corner, or kept on a lanyard for quick non-verbal reminders.
Pocket Check Card STUDENT
Where Am I Right Now?
In Public? Hands stay outside clothing.
In Private? Door must be closed and locked.
"Hands outside pants when people are near."
Break Pass NONVERBAL
I Need A Private Break
Please excuse me to the restroom for 3 minutes to adjust clothing and reset.
Hand quietly to teacher • No questions asked
Stall Checklist STEPS
Step all the way into stall
Turn latch until door is locked
Adjust pants, tag, or use toilet
Zip and button pants completely
Unlock door and wash hands
Door locked before pants down • Pants up before door open
Staff Cue Strip STAFF
Quiet Non-Shaming Prompts:
Visual: Point to desk visual strip silently.
Verbal: "Hands in lap, please." (Low, neutral tone)
Offer: "Do you need a quick private restroom break?"
Never reprimand publicly • Maintain student dignity
Desktop Strip Options (Cut & Tape to Desk Corner)
Calm Hands in Public: On Desk • In Lap • In Pockets
[ Desk Strip A ]
Private Parts = Private Places (Door Closed)
[ Desk Strip B ]
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 2 Visual Tools Printable Cue Cards
Calm Hands Slides Lesson 3: Self-Regulation & Alternatives
Body Boundaries Series
Calm Hands: Managing Urges & Sensory Needs
Your body has sensations every day. You can learn discreet, comfortable ways to calm your body while keeping your hands outside your clothing.
Notice Sensations
What is my body feeling?
Discreet Tools
Pockets, fidgets & lap
Take A Break
Private bathroom reset
Why Do We Want to Touch? (The Sensory Detective)
Understanding Triggers
Clothing Itch
A scratchy tag, tight waistband, or rough seams can cause annoying itching.
Erection Reflex
The penis fills with blood automatically. It feels tight, warm, or sensitive.
Boredom / Stress
Touching can become an automatic habit when waiting or feeling anxious.
Full Bladder
Needing to pee creates pressure in your pelvic area that feels like an urge.
When you feel the urge, ask yourself: "Is it an itch, an erection, or do I just need to pee?"
The 4-Step Calm Hands Routine
Step-by-Step Response
1
PAUSE
Notice your hand moving toward your pants. Tell yourself: "Stop, I am in public."
2
RELOCATE
Put both hands in outer jacket pockets, flat on your desk, or folded in your lap.
3
SQUEEZE
Squeeze a stress ball, pinch a textured fidget, or take 3 slow belly breaths.
4
PRIVATE PASS
If you really need to adjust clothes or pee, ask quietly for a bathroom break.
Remember: You do not have to fight uncomfortable sensations alone—using the bathroom stall gives you full privacy.
Discreet Tools for Public Places
Quiet Sensory Options
Hand & Finger Fidgets
Keep a quiet sensory ring, textured strip, or stress squishy inside your pocket or on your desk. Squeeze it when your hands want to move.
Pressure on Thighs
Press your hands flat down onto your thighs or sit on your hands for 10 seconds. Deep pressure calms your nervous system fast.
Mental Distraction
Count backwards from 20, name 5 blue objects in the room, or think of your favorite video game level. Blood will quickly leave the erection.
These tools look completely natural in a classroom and give your fingers the sensory input they crave.
Asking for a Private Break
Calm Hands Action Plan Lesson 3 Student Plan
My Body Sensation Detective
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Be a Sensation Detective: When your hands want to touch your pants, your brain is usually trying to solve a sensation or feeling. Identifying the exact sensation helps you pick the right solution without touching in public!
Part 1: What Triggers My Hands to Move?
Check all the sensations or situations that make you want to put your hands inside or on your pants:
Scratchy Clothing / Tag The fabric feels rough, itchy, or the underwear tag pokes me.
Tight Pants or Underwear The waistband or seams feel too tight against my groin.
Natural Erection Reflex My penis feels hard, warm, or sensitive suddenly.
Boredom / Waiting Quietly Sitting during lectures or free time with nothing in my hands.
Anxiety or Overwhelmed Loud noises, tests, or stress make me want to comfort myself.
Needing to Use the Toilet Full bladder pressure feels uncomfortable down below.
My 3-Second Body Check Routine:
Step 1: STOP Hands pull away from clothing immediately.
Step 2: NAME Is it itch, reflex, boredom, or pee?
Step 3: CHOOSE Pick a tool from my Calm Hands Menu.
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 3 Action Plan • Page 1 of 2
My Strategies
My Calm Hands Menu & Plan
Page 2 of 2
Part 2: Choose Your Top 3 Calm-Hands Strategies
Which of these strategies will work best for you in class or in public? Choose 3 to add to your plan:
Hands in Outer Pockets: Slide hands into jacket or hoodie pocket.
Discreet
Pocket Sensory Fidget: Squeeze a stress ball, textured ring, or marble maze.
Sensory
Thigh Pressure: Press palms flat against upper thighs for 10 slow seconds.
Deep Pressure
Mental Distraction Game: Count down 20 to 1 or list 5 cars/characters.
Mental
Private Bathroom Pass: Hand the break pass quietly to my teacher for 3 minutes.
Reset
My Personal Action Plan:
1. My #1 favorite replacement tool to use in class is:
2. If I feel uncomfortable and need a private stall, I will tell or show my teacher:
Co-Regulation Support Guide Staff & Caregiver Protocol
Co-Regulation & Dignity Guide
Scope: School & Home
Approach: Neuro-Affirming
Primary Directive: Preserve Dignity & Extinguish Shame When touching occurs in public, staff response must be unemotional, quiet, and swift . Public reprimands ("Take your hands out of your pants right now!") alert peers, cause social ostracization, and generate acute distress that increases repetitive self-stimulatory behavior.
3-Tier Discreet Redirection Protocol
1 Nonverbal Cue
Walk within peripheral proximity. Tap desk visual strip silently or hand a quiet sensory fidget to the student's hand.
Zero spoken words • No peer attention
2 Low Neutral Prompt
Lean in close. In a soft, calm whisper use max 3 words: "Hands on desk," or "Hands in lap."
Matter-of-fact tone • No moralizing
3 Private Reset Pass
If touching persists, whisper: "Looks like you need a restroom reset. Take the hall pass."
Allows private resolution with dignity
Proactive Sensory & Wardrobe Audit
Wardrobe Adjustments (Home & School)
Switch to seamless, tagless modal/bamboo boxer briefs.
Size up pants to eliminate tight groin constriction during puberty growth spurts.
Provide soft sweatpants or elastic waists instead of rigid denim zippers.
Environmental Antecedents
Track times of occurrence (e.g., transition periods, passive video watching, right after lunch).
Schedule proactive bathroom breaks every 90 minutes.
Provide lap pads or dual-hand engagement activities during seated floor time.
Peer Deflection Protocol (If Classmates React)
If a classmate whispers, points, or giggles, redirect their attention immediately without acknowledging the behavior:
"Eyes up on the board, everyone. We are focusing on our own work right now."
Body Boundaries Series • Lesson 3 Support Guide Instructional & Behavioral Support Protocol
