“A Perfect Storm”: Autistic Experiences of Menopause and Midlife
Brady, Jenkins, Gamble-Turner, Moseley, Janse van Rensburg and Matthews (2024)
Current research suggests that menopause can be a difficult transition for some Autistic people. This article examines how Autistic people experience menopause and ways to improve access to services, support and information. The research was supported at every stage of development by Autistic Community Research Associates. The data was collected through online focus groups and interviews, conducted with 24 participants. All the participants had experience with menopausal transition, 13 participants lived in Canada and 11 lived in the UK. Four team members coded and analysed the data using reflexive thematic analysis. Four themes and eight subthemes were found. The four themes were: Complexity, multiplicity and intensity of symptoms; Life experience and adversity converging at midlife; The importance of knowledge and connection; Barriers to support and care. The authors note that the majority of their participants were late diagnosed and suggest that their experiences may not be able to be generalised to a wider Autistic population, however they suggest that heating about others’ experiences may help Autistic people struggling with menopause to feel they are not alone.
