Child Psych Podcast Episode #187

Dr. Natasha Poulopoulos (Dr. Tash) is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in child, adolescent, and young adult mental health. Harvard-trained and based in Miami, she is known for her work supporting autistic youth, emotional well-being, anxiety, resilience, and inclusive mental health care. Through her clinical work, trainings, and educational programs, Dr. Tash helps families navigate complex developmental topics with confidence and compassion.

Introduction to the Conversation

Talking about puberty, consent, relationships, and sexuality can feel overwhelming for many parents. For families raising autistic girls, these conversations often come with additional questions about communication, sensory sensitivities, social understanding, and safety.

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, Tania Johnson sits down with Dr. Tash to explore how parents and caregivers can approach these important discussions in ways that are supportive, developmentally appropriate, and empowering. Together, they discuss why early education matters and how preparation can reduce anxiety while building confidence and self-advocacy skills.

What We Discuss in This Episode

This conversation focuses on helping autistic girls navigate puberty and body changes with greater understanding and emotional safety. Dr. Tash introduces her practical ENT framework: Explain, Normalize, and Teach, which helps parents communicate clearly and directly about topics that are often misunderstood or avoided.

The discussion explores why autistic youth often benefit from concrete language, visual supports, repetition, and explicit teaching around social expectations, consent, boundaries, public versus private behaviors, and personal safety. Listeners will also learn how sensory sensitivities can make puberty particularly challenging and why preparing children before changes occur can significantly reduce stress and confusion.

What You’ll Learn

• How to use the ENT framework (Explain, Normalize, Teach) when discussing puberty and sexuality
• Why conversations about body safety and private body parts should begin in early childhood
• How sensory sensitivities can impact autistic girls during puberty
• Practical ways to prepare for a first period using visual supports, scripts, and step-by-step planning
• How to teach consent, boundaries, relationships, and personal safety in clear, developmentally appropriate ways

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is ideal for parents, caregivers, educators, therapists, psychologists, and professionals supporting autistic girls as they navigate puberty and adolescence. If you’ve ever wondered how to discuss body changes, consent, sexuality, relationships, or personal safety with confidence, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in child development, autism support, and mental health best practices.