Your Changing Body: Answers for Boys With Autism

As you get older, your body changes. This is part of growing up. It's called puberty.

What Is Puberty?

Puberty is when a person's body changes as they go from being a kid to an adult. Boys become men. Girls become women. The changes of puberty happen slowly.

When things change, it can feel a little scary, but knowing what to expect can help you feel better. When you have questions, ask your mom, dad, doctor, or another trusted adult.

What Will Happen to My Body?

During puberty, your body goes through many changes. This is healthy and normal. 

First, the skin on your face will get oily and you may get pimples. Your voice will sound lower. You will get taller.

Hair will grow on body parts other than your head. It will grow on your face, under your arms, on your chest, and in your private area (the part of your body covered by underwear.) Your arms and legs will get hairier. When you sweat, it will smell stinky, especially under your arms.

Your penis and testicles (balls) will get bigger. Sometimes your penis will get bigger and hard. This is called an erection.