Tara grows up : a guide to periods and puberty for young women with intellectual disabilities

Introduction|What are pads?|What are periods?|How and when to change a pad|Things to remember|Review the 12 key messages about menstruation

A short film about puberty designed to be watched by girls and young women before they have their first period. Should be viewed with families and caregivers, who can be on hand to answer questions.

This short film is a guide about puberty for young girls with an intellectual disability, as a preparation for their first period. In the film the family, helps Tara, who is 11, understand what she can expect, why her life will develop this way and how she can manage her period.
Good hygiene, the normality of having periods and the need for privacy are all stressed, with a repeat towards the end using Tara’s doll as a “prop”. The film starts with her Mum talking to Tara, who then involves the rest of the family. Tara’s older sister has a key part to play, explaining and demonstrating all the things that Tara needs to know.
It is suggested that the film should be watched first by the parents as well as the caregiver if involved, so that they can make decisions as to how to best use it.
Also available as a DVD