Understanding health services and puberty for autistic adolescents an…
Published May 9, 2026
A scoping review of puberty-related health services and support for autistic adolescents and other disabled young people.
<p><em>This scoping review examined health services and puberty-related support for autistic adolescents and other disabled young people. It retained 17 studies, including only two focused solely on occupational therapy.</em></p><p><em>The review identifies gaps in practical support, clinician training, healthcare access, and inclusive puberty education. It is not a practice guideline and does not show that one occupational-therapy intervention is effective for everyone.</em></p><p><em>Puberty support should protect autonomy and privacy, provide accurate inclusive information, and be tailored to the young person’s needs and preferences.</em></p><p><em>Source: Hausler S, Sargeant K, George E. “Understanding Health Services and Puberty for Autistic Adolescents and Those With Disability: A Scoping Review to Inform Occupational Therapy Practice.” Australian Occupational Therapy Journal. 2026;73(2):e70079. </em><a target="blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70079"><em>https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70079</em></a><em> (PMID: 41778339).</em></p>