There's an Update to Your Operating System - Puberty Social Story

This age-appropriate, neurodiversity-affirming social story helps neurodivergent preteens and teens understand puberty, emotional regulation, and personal boundaries through a relatable "operating system" metaphor. This resource is designed with accessible visuals and inclusive language, and empowers youth to develop self-awareness, normalize confusing thoughts and feelings, and practice setting boundaries. Young people will learn to use tools framed as "adjusting their settings" to cope with uncomfortable or changing thoughts and feelings.
 
This resource is best suited for ages 10–15, including late elementary, middle school, and early high school aged youth. It is especially helpful for autistic students, students with ADHD, or those who benefit from metaphor-based learning and visual support.
 
The examples given allow for elaboration if the instructor wishes to do so, to allow for nervous system regulation and to help students learn about their changing bodies and minds without feeling embarrassed.
 
Skills & Concepts Addressed:
Emotional regulation
Puberty education through a strengths-based lens
Setting and expressing personal boundaries
Managing sensory input and overwhelm
Understanding changing thoughts and feelings in an age-appropriate, low-pressure manner
 
Perfect For:
School counselors or school psychologists
Therapists, counselors, and psychologists
Social workers
Special education teachers
BCBAs
Parents
SEL lessons for neurodivergent or autistic students
Small group or 1:1 instruction