The Growing Up Book for Boys: What Boys on the Autism Spectrum Need to Know! - Hardcover

by Margaret Anne Suggs (Illustrator), Davida Hartman (Author)

The Growing Up Book for Boys explains the facts behind the growth spurts, body changes and mood swings of adolescence for boys aged 9-14 on the autism spectrum.

The pre-teen and teenage years are a confusing time when bodies start acting with a will of their own, friendships change and crushes start to develop. Using direct literal language and cool colour illustrations, this book tells boys all they need to know about growing hair in new places, shaving, wet dreams and unexpected erections. It's full of great advice on what makes a real friend, how to keep spots away, and how to stay safe online. Most importantly, it explains that every body is amazing and unique and encourages young boys with autism to celebrate difference!

Author Biography

Davida Hartman (Author)
Davida (she/her) is an Adjunct Professor in the UCD School of Psychology and Chartered Educational & Child Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland.

She founded and is Clinical Director at The Adult Autism & ADHD Practice (www.adultautism.ie), a fully online service that covers the UK and Ireland, with a vision of providing respectful, neurodiversity affirmative, autism and ADHD identification (assessment) work within a team that is shaped by the Autistic and ADHD voice and experience. She is also co-founder, Clinical Director and Principal Psychologist at The Children's Clinic, (www.thechildrensclinic.ie) based on these same principals. Established in 2016, The Children's Clinic now has locations now across Ireland supporting Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children 0-18 with a focus on best practice neurodiversity affirmative child autism identifications. Prior to this, Davida worked for many years within the Irish public health service, in teams supporting Autistic and otherwise neurodivergent children.

Davida has also brought to Ireland the not for profit Gig Buddies (www.gigbuddiesireland.ie), where she is a Board Director. Gig Buddies aims to reduce loneliness and increase social participation for adults with a learning disability who may or may not also be Autistic.

Davida is late identified ADHD and part of a multiply neurodivergent family. She is a passionate ally of the Autistic community.

Davida has written several books (alone and alongside her Autistic colleagues) with Jessica Kingsley Publishers in the area of Autistic experience, including the first ever book on adult autism identification and the first ever book on neurodiversity affirmative child autism identification.