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.
Highlights
The intersection of autism and menopause has—until recently—received little attention
Late recognition of autism may mean that people have to adapt to this new component of their identity near the time when they need to adapt to menopausal changes
Thematic decomposition resulted in the identification of three major discursive themes—Uncertainty about Changes, Growing Self-Awareness and Self-Care, and Navigating Support Options—each consisting of sub-themes
Summary
The intersection of autism and menopause has—until recently—received little attention. It is considered to be underdiagnosed among those assigned female at birth (Lai & Baron-Cohen, 2015), an increasing number are receiving diagnoses as adults (Chester, 2019), an explanation for their experiences and their sense of self that may have been unavailable to them during childhood adolescence, and earlier adulthood Autism and menopause both have implications for people’s experiences and sense of self. Material (physical), discursive (cultural and social) and intrapsychic (psychological) factors intersect to influence all subjective experiences, including transition points such as menopause (Bhaskar, 2010). In Western cultures, the menopausal body has tended to be examined through a biomedical lens; changes are viewed as undesirable “symptoms” (Ussher, 2008). Participants described uncomfortable increases in autistic traits such as sensory sensitivity, and social and emotional regulation difficulties
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