"A perfect storm": Autistic experiences of menopause and midlife.
Autism
; 28(6): 1405-1418, 2024 Jun.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38622794
ABSTRACT
LAY ABSTRACT Previous studies report that menopause can be a very difficult transition for some autistic people. This study focuses on how autistic people experience menopause and what support and information might help them. Autistic Community Research Associates played an important role in the research and co-authored this article. We held four focus groups and eight interviews online with 24 autistic participants who lived in either Canada (n = 13) or the United Kingdom (n = 11). We analysed participant conversations using a method called reflexive thematic analysis. Participants described many intense challenges during menopause. Four themes and eight subthemes were identified across participant groups (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). The experiences of our participants may not be the same as other autistic people, and the study could have been more inclusive of diverse autistic groups. However, hearing about the experiences of others may provide reassurance to autistic people who struggle with menopause and let them know they are not alone.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Trastorno Autístico
/
Menopausia
/
Grupos Focales
Límite:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
America do norte
/
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Autism
Asunto de la revista:
PSICOLOGIA
/
PSIQUIATRIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Canadá
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido