Puberty - Ugh!

So now that Ashley is 12 years old, I see puberty coming just around the corner. And I am terrified. I know all parents are apprehensive of their child going into puberty, and all the changes that go with it. But you add to that a girl with special needs, and there is just nothing good about this scenario. I mean this is a 12 year old that can do very little to take care of herself. She still needs assistance bathing, dressing, etc. I just keep thinking of all the hormonal changes, and all the decisions we will have to make. Do we shave her legs and/or under her arms? How do we handle menstruation? Ugh. It is enough to make me want to just stick my head in the sand and pretend it is not happening. Except, whether I want it to or not, puberty is coming. On the positive side, I am grateful that she didn’t start puberty early. I hear some children with autism get much better or much worse with the onset of puberty; please God let it be better. Like us on Facebook   Originally posted March 2012