'A perfect storm': Autistic experiences of menopause and midlife

Added on 10/11/2024

Type de contenu

Journal article of the type Scientific research ( ; english)

Miranda Brady , Christine Jenkins * , Julie Gamble-Turner , Rachel Moseley * , Margaret Janse van Rensburg , Rose Matthews *
'A perfect storm': Autistic experiences of menopause and midlife published in the journal "Autism" n°28, vol.6, 14 pages , doi: 10.1177/13623613241244548

*Three co-authors had publicly identified as autistic. [Learn more about this mention]

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Summary/Presentation

Previous research indicates that menopause can be an extremely difficult transition for some autistic people. This study asks how autistic people experience menopause and how they can better access services, support and information; autistic Community Research Associates played an important role in each stage of the research. Online focus groups and interviews were conducted with 24 autistic participants who lived in Canada (n = 13) or the United Kingdom (n = 11) and had experience with the menopausal transition. Transcripts were coded and analysed by four team members using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes and eight subthemes were identified: (1) Complexity, multiplicity and intensity of symptoms (0 subthemes); (2) Life experience and adversity converging at midlife (three subthemes); (3) The importance of knowledge and connection (two subthemes); and (4) Barriers to support and care (three subthemes). Limitations include a potential sample bias towards difficult experiences of menopause. The majority of our sample had a late diagnosis or discovery of autism, and their experiences might not generalize to wider autistic populations. This research may help autistic people prepare for menopause and recognize symptoms earlier. Hearing about the experiences of others may let autistic people who struggle with menopause know they are not alone.

For your information:

(1) References in blue are resources listed on our site.

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(3) Authors whose names are followed by an asterisk have publicly disclosed being autistic.

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