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Brady MJ, Jenkins CA, Gamble-Turner JM, Moseley RL, Janse van Rensburg M, Matthews RJ. "A perfect storm": Autistic experiences of menopause and midlife. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:1405-1418. [PMID: 38622794 PMCID: PMC11135000 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241244548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
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.
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Davies J, Cooper K, Killick E, Sam E, Healy M, Thompson G, Mandy W, Redmayne B, Crane L. Autistic identity: A systematic review of quantitative research. Autism Res 2024; 17:874-897. [PMID: 38334318 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Autism can be considered both a personal and social identity. Identifying the factors contributing to positive Autistic identity development is crucial given the potential implications for mental health and wellbeing. In this systematic review, we aimed to synthesize quantitative literature on Autistic identity to identify the (individual and environmental) factors associated with Autistic identity, and to ascertain the relationship between Autistic identity and mental health and wellbeing. A total of 3,617 studies were screened and 20 met our inclusion criteria. Results indicated that people developed a more positive Autistic identity when receiving external autism acceptance and external support. The association between individual factors and Autistic identity were largely nonsignificant or inconclusive, highlighting the need for broad support that meets the needs of a range of Autistic people, rather than specific subgroups. Importantly, positive Autistic identity was associated with improved mental health and wellbeing. Peer support and/or self-directed support resources may be valuable mechanisms for supporting Autistic people to cultivate a positive Autistic identity. The evaluation of such support, including the long-term impacts on identity development, will be a critical avenue for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Davies
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
| | - Kate Cooper
- Centre for Applied Autism Research, Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Estelle Killick
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
| | - Evelyn Sam
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Will Mandy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational, & Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Laura Crane
- Centre for Research in Autism and Education (CRAE), IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, University College London, London, UK
- Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER), Department of Disability, Inclusion and Special Needs, School of Education, College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK
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O'Connor RA, Doherty M, Ryan-Enright T, Gaynor K. Perspectives of autistic adolescent girls and women on the determinants of their mental health and social and emotional well-being: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of lived experience. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:816-830. [PMID: 38145308 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231215026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Difficulties with mental health and low levels of well-being are more common among autistic girls and women than non-autistic people, but we do not fully understand why. Research does not focus enough on what autistic girls and women could tell us about this. This review aims to summarise the studies where autistic girls and women explain things that affect their mental health and well-being to help us understand how to prevent these difficulties from developing. Three research databases were searched to find possibly relevant studies. There were 877 studies found, which two researchers screened according to particular criteria. They found 52 studies that could be included in this review. One researcher evaluated the quality of these studies and extracted the key information from them. This review summarises the views of 973 autistic girls and women aged between 13 and 70+. The findings from the 52 studies were analysed, and we found many factors that affect the mental health and well-being of autistic girls and women. These factors fall into two categories: (1) difficulties living in a world not designed for autistic people and (2) the impact of stigma due to being autistic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ag O'Connor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Health Service Executive, Republic of Ireland
| | - Mary Doherty
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
- Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, Republic of Ireland
| | - Theresa Ryan-Enright
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- Health Service Executive, Republic of Ireland
| | - Keith Gaynor
- School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Republic of Ireland
- DETECT, Early Intervention Service, Blackrock, Republic of Ireland
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Dewinter J, Onaiwu MG, Massolo ML, Caplan R, Van Beneden E, Brörmann N, Crehan ET, Croen LA, Faja S, Gassner DL, Graham Holmes L, Hughes C, Hunter M, Huysamen M, Jelonche P, Lai MC, Noens I, Pukki H, Stokes MA, Strang JF, van der Miesen AIR. Short report: Recommendations for education, clinical practice, research, and policy on promoting well-being in autistic youth and adults through a positive focus on sexuality and gender diversity. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024; 28:770-779. [PMID: 37530121 PMCID: PMC10913304 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231188349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT In this article, we propose recommendations on what we can do to promote that autistic people can enjoy their sexuality and gender identity, because that contributes to overall well-being.First, we briefly summarize the existing research on sexuality and gender diversity in autistic individuals.Next, we propose recommendations for how to promote sexual and gender diversity-related health and well-being. Based on what is known about sexuality, gender diversity, and relationships in autistic adolescents and adults, we convened an international group of autistic and non-autistic researchers, advocates, parents, and professionals to develop recommendations to promote sexual and gender health in autistic people.The resulting recommendations were checked through an online survey distributed to autistic people across the world. The online participants endorsed the importance of eight final recommendations related to:1. Providing education and information on sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity to autistic individuals and their families;2. Improving expertise in and accessibility to healthcare for sexuality, relationships, and gender-related questions, with specific attention to prevention of and support after sexual victimization; and3. Meaningfully including the autism community in future research that addresses well-being relating to sexuality, relationships, and gender diversity.These community-driven recommendations aim to promote sexual health and well-being in autistic individuals internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan Faja
- Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Heta Pukki
- European Council of Autistic People, Finland
| | | | - John F Strang
- George Washington University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Anna IR van der Miesen
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Canada
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Vrije Universiteit, The Netherlands
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Rynkiewicz A, Zheng S, Lacroix A. Special considerations for assessing and caring for autism in girls and women. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2024; 37:71-77. [PMID: 38085884 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As the specificities of autistic women are increasingly recognized, this review aims to highlight emerging areas of research. These areas primarily focus on measurement bias of diagnostic tools, the physical and mental health of autistic women, and the unique aspects of the lives of autistic women, both personally and professionally across all life stages. RECENT FINDINGS Conventional diagnostic tools struggle to capture the specificities of autism in females, but more sensitive instruments like the GQ-ASC (Girls' Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions), later also referred to as Q-ASC (Questionnaire for Autism Spectrum Conditions) in the scientific literature, show better performances. Autistic women face particular challenges, including an increased risk of physical and mental health problems throughout their lives as women (puberty, motherhood, menopause). Autistic women also encounter specific difficulties in their employment that require greater consideration. SUMMARY The findings of this review identify research areas that need to be developed to better understand and support autistic girls and women and to enhance clinical practice for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Rynkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow
- Center for Diagnosis, Therapy and Education SPECTRUM ASC-MED, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Shuting Zheng
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Adeline Lacroix
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LPNC, Grenoble, France
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Johnson M, Doherty M, Shaw SC. Overcoming barriers to autistic health care: towards autism-friendly practices. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:255-256. [PMID: 35618467 PMCID: PMC9172244 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp22x719513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sebastian Ck Shaw
- Department of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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The relevance of the interpersonal theory of suicide for predicting past-year and lifetime suicidality in autistic adults. Mol Autism 2022; 13:14. [PMID: 35313974 PMCID: PMC8935684 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00495-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While there are known risk factors for suicidality in autistic adults, these are often unconnected from theoretical frameworks that might explain why risk is elevated and guide clinical interventions. The present study investigated the relevance of constructs from the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS), including perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and acquired capability for suicide, and explored mechanisms through which certain risk factors (relationship status, age at diagnosis) might elevate suicide risk. Methods Autistic adults (n = 314) completed an online study including measures of depression, anxiety and constructs from the ITS. Linear and multinomial regression analysis disentangled contributions of ITS variables from effects of depression and anxiety for past-year suicide ideation, past-year and lifetime suicide attempts. Mediation analyses examined associations between risk factors and these suicide outcomes via mechanisms proposed by the ITS. Results Past-year suicide ideation was associated with burdensomeness, mental rehearsal of suicide plans (a facet of acquired capability), and depression. Greater feelings of burdensomeness, and reduced fear of death, marked out participants who had attempted suicide in comparison to those who had experienced suicide ideation in the past year. Relationship status was indirectly associated with past-year suicide ideation via the mediators of depression and burdensomeness, and was associated with past-year attempts via its effect on ideation. Age at diagnosis was unrelated to any variables. Limitations Cross-sectional research is insensitive to causality and temporal dynamics, which is likely why interaction hypotheses from the ITS were unsupported. Normative measures may be invalid in autistic samples. There was no control group. The autistic sample was unrepresentative of the whole population, particularly autistic people with intellectual disabilities, ethnic/racial minorities, and gender minorities. Conclusions Perceived burdensomeness and acquired capability appear potentially important to suicide in autistic people, and may mediate the effects of some risk factors. Future research should explore the temporal dynamics of suicide trajectories in longitudinal, prospective designs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13229-022-00495-5.
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Groenman AP, Torenvliet C, Radhoe TA, Agelink van Rentergem JA, Geurts HM. Menstruation and menopause in autistic adults: Periods of importance? AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2021; 26:1563-1572. [PMID: 34825585 PMCID: PMC9344571 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211059721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum conditions were once seen as a predominantly male condition. This
has caused a paucity of information on common events in the lives of women, such
as menstruation and menopause. Some smaller studies indicate that autistic women
might suffer from increased difficulties surrounding these events. This study
aims to investigate whether autistic women experience more frequent premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, and increased complaints surrounding menopause. In partly
overlapping samples (premenstrual dysphoric disorder, n = 70,
nASC = 28,
ncomparisons = 42; menopause,
n = 65, nASC = 30,
ncomparisons = 35), we investigated premenstrual
dysphoric disorder prevalence and menopausal complaints. In 70 individuals, we
did not find an increased prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder in
autistic women (14.3%) compared with non-autistic women (9.5%). In 65 women aged
40 years and above, we found that autistic women did experience higher levels of
menopausal complaints. In autistic women, higher menopausal complaints were
associated with higher levels of depression and autistic traits. In non-autistic
women, menopausal complaints were associated with increased inattention,
hyperactivity/impulsivity (i.e. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
traits), and depression. With this work, we show the important role that major
reproductive milestones can have in an autistic woman’s life.
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Karavidas M, de Visser RO. "It's Not Just in My Head, and It's Not Just Irrelevant": Autistic Negotiations of Menopausal Transitions. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:1143-1155. [PMID: 33886034 PMCID: PMC8854312 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05010-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Physical and psychological changes during menopause can be especially tumultuous for autistic people: difficulties with sensory sensitivity and daily functioning may be exacerbated. Through individual interviews, we examined the language used by seven peri- or post-menopausal autistic people to construct their experiences, and to consider the implications for their wellbeing and identities. Our analysis, which utilised thematic decomposition, yielded three discursive themes. The theme “Uncertainty about Changes” addressed how limited awareness and understanding of menopause combined with difficulties recognising internal states. However, with “Growing Self-Awareness and Self-Care”, some participants made conscious efforts to resist negative societal constructions of both autism and menopause. The theme “Navigating Support Options” addressed the interpersonal and systemic barriers participants faced when seeking support. There is a need for accessible information for autistic people experiencing menopause, and greater professional awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard O de Visser
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. .,Department of Primary Care & Public Health, Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Falmer, BN1 9PH, UK.
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