Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

10-2024

Journal / Book Title

American Public Health Association Annual Meeting

Abstract

Despite volumes of autism publications, there are enormous gaps in what we know about autism in adults and women. Yet, a large UK study reported that recent surges in autism diagnoses have been greatest in these populations. As the understanding of who is autistic expands, so too must our understanding of autism across the lifecourse.

Menopause is one (of many) underexplored aspects of the autistic lifecourse. Based on the sparse literature on autism and menstruation, there is reason to believe the hormonal changes of menopause may create more challenges for autistic than neurotypical adults. Some qualitative research suggests that for autistic adults, menopause may heighten sensory and self-regulatory challenges, disrupt autistic masking, and perhaps even spur undiagnosed adults to seek a diagnosis.

Female-presenting individuals historically have been underdiagnosed with autism. Does being undiagnosed, or late-diagnosed, exacerbate the challenges of menopause? How does the experience of menopause affect the intense experience of processing and integrating a new/recent autism diagnosis? And how do those experiences intersect with autigender (gender as inextricable from autism) and other nonbinary gender identities?

A public health approach reminds us that asking questions such as these comes with the responsibility to take action. This presentation synthesizes emerging literature, offering a framework to consider how public health can:

  1. name and challenge stigma around menopause and autism,
  2. cross-educate providers/carers who focus on menopause or autism, to attend to their intersection,
  3. affirm that menopause does not contradict gender identity, and
  4. develop meaningful menopause supports for autistic adults.

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