10-Point Checklist to Prepare for Your Daughter's First Period

Is your daughter with special needs about to get her period for the first time?

Here is a 10-point checklist to help you prepare her for her first menstruation, including how to help her understand and accept the experience and self-care it requires.

Plus, scroll down for additional resources to help her (and you!) through the first period and beyond.

Planning Checklist

1. Do I know how my daughter learns best? Are written words, demonstrations, or talking better?

2. Do visual supports help her to better follow along and attend when she is learning something new?

3. What are my daughter's interests? How can I increase her interest and engagement in this topic?

4. What are my daughter's sensory sensitivities?

5. Does she have gross or fine motor difficulties that I should consider?

6. What are the problem-solving and social skills required for self-care during menstruation?

7. What steps will she be required to complete for self-care during menstruation?

8. Do I know what the procedure at school will be when she gets her period?

9. Does my daughter understand the concepts of pain and discomfort? How will she communicate around this? Is there a plan in place should she experience painful menstrual symptoms?

10. Have I made an appointment with my daughter's doctor (e.g. pediatrician) or have I met with a doctor recently and talked about puberty and related medical care yet?