Autism Menopause Literacy Guide (AML Guide)
Autism and Menopause
Menopause is an important part of adult health, yet Autistic people’s experiences remain under-researched. Studies describe changes in sensory sensitivities, emotional wellbeing, and everyday functioning, alongside difficulties finding relevant information and healthcare that recognises Autistic needs (Moseley et al., 2020; Brady et al., 2024). Experiences vary, highlighting the need for accessible information and support shaped by Autistic people themselves.
The Autism Menopause Literacy Guide (AML Guide) project brings together community and professional perspectives to develop a practical resource for Autistic adults, family members, friends, community supporters, and professionals.
The project is led by Dr. Margaret Janse van Rensburg at the University of South Carolina College of Social Work, with support from USC’s ASPIRE funding programme.
Through surveys and consultation, we are exploring:
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What people know about perimenopause and menopause, and what they want to learn.
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Autistic experiences of menopause, including changes in sensory experiences, sleep, emotional wellbeing, and everyday activities.
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Barriers to information, healthcare, and support, including communication, accessibility, cost, and insurance.
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The practical tools and resource formats people would find most useful.
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Community and clinical consultants are helping shape the questions, content, and accessibility of the Guide. Findings will inform a paper prototype, with potential future development into a digital resource.
The Guide is currently in development. Project updates and opportunities to contribute will be shared here.
Stay in touch for our survey launch
References Brady, M. J., Jenkins, C. A., Gamble-Turner, J. M., Moseley, R. L., Janse van Rensburg, M., & Matthews, R. J. (2024). “A perfect storm”: Autistic experiences of menopause and midlife. Autism, 28(6), 1405–1418. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241244548 Moseley, R. L., Druce, T., & Turner-Cobb, J. M. (2020). ‘When my autism broke’: A qualitative study spotlighting autistic voices on menopause. Autism, 24(6), 1423–1437. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319901184