Tom Needs to Go: A Book about How to Use Public Toilets Safely for Boys and Young Men with Autism and Related Conditions

When Tom is out shopping, he needs to go to the toilet. Tom knows that public toilets are different to his toilet at home. There are urinals and cubicles and he has to decide which to use.

This visual resource helps parents and carers teach boys and young men with autism or other special needs about how to use public toilets safely. It covers the subtleties of social etiquette including where to stand and look, as well as practicalities such as remembering to lock the cubicle door. With simple and effective illustrations throughout, the book is the perfect starting point for teaching independence when using public toilets.

Kate E. Reynolds, MSc (Dist) BSc. RGN. PGDipHEd. PGDipCouns., worked for the UK’s National Health Service for 18 years, seven of which were in HIV/Aids and sexual health as a Clinical Nurse Specialist, Senior Counsellor and staff trainer. In 2005 Kate’s son was diagnosed as having ’classic’ autism with intellectual (learning) disabilities. Since then, Kate has written several books for JKP about sexuality education and autism/intellectual disabilities. She is a researcher and public speaker; in 2016 she spoke at an All Party Parliamentary Group meeting about sex education and disability and speaks extensively with parents and caregivers.

Jonathon Powell completed a Diploma of Fine Arts and a Bachelor of Animation at Griffith University, Queensland. He has illustrated material for Family Planning Queensland, including several brochures, an education manual, ’Talking About It’, and a CD-ROM package, ’Puberty Plus’. Jonathon has also illustrated ’Making Sense of Sex’ by Sarah Attwood, published by JKP. He lives in Brisbane, Australia.