Understanding health services and puberty for autistic adolescents and those with disability: A scoping review to inform occupational therapy practice.
Published May 9, 2026
A scoping review of puberty-related health services and support for autistic adolescents and other disabled young people.
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.
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.
Puberty support should protect autonomy and privacy, provide accurate inclusive information, and be tailored to the young person’s needs and preferences.
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. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1630.70079 (PMID: 41778339).
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