The Puberty Video for Boys with Asperger Syndrome

Gr 5 Up—Although this video is labeled for boys with Asperger syndrome, much of the material is appropriate for all boys. The chapters cover puberty basics—the male and female body, dating, and sexuality. The host, Drew, a young man with Asperger syndrome, and the female host, Sarah, explain through still drawings of unclothed male and female bodies the maturation from child to adult. Hormones are described as the catalyst of physical, emotional, and mental changes. For females, egg production, menstruation, and reproduction are covered, and for males, sperm production and the terms erection and ejaculation are explained. (Techniques to deal with an unwanted erection are suggested.) In the section covering dating, advocacy of social skills is illustrated with photos of boys and girls having fun together. Seeking out female and male mentors and books are suggested to help with the awkward first steps in dating. Overall, the material is covered methodically with a review after each section. The challenges of puberty are presented seriously by hosts that exhibit confidence and congeniality. This video would be most valuable for middle school boys with Asperger syndrome or on the low-level autism spectrum.—Ann Weber, Bellarmine College Preparatory, San Jose, CA