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ERIC Number: EJ1466082
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Apr
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Unmet Need for Autism-Aware Care for Gynaecological, Menstrual and Sexual Wellbeing
Richard O. de Visser1; Rachel Mosely2; Julie Gamble-Turner2; Laura Hull3; Felicity Sedgewick3; Charlotte Featherstone4; Chella Quint5,6; Eloise Freeman1; Marianna Karavidas1
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v29 n4 p934-944 2025
Autism can make menstruation and menopause and other aspects of reproductive and sexual health (RSH) more difficult. However, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often fail to provide autism-aware care, and often lack the skills or confidence to discuss RSH with patients. This study explored whether autistic people experience particular difficulties and have unmet needs when seeking RSH care. Online surveys consisting of forced-choice items and free-text boxes were completed by 136 autistic adults in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using standard parametric and non-parametric tests. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH. The quantitative data and qualitative analysis revealed that respondents felt: (a) uncomfortable discussing menstrual issues, menopause and sexual wellbeing; (b) that HCPs rarely accommodate their sensory needs and communication preferences; and (c) that HCPs rarely demonstrated awareness of how autism can affect RSH. This novel study highlighted widespread unmet needs for appropriate RSH care for autistic people. Effort is required to enhance HCPs' ability to provide autism-aware care for RSH. The findings could inform the development of resources and training to improve healthcare for autistic people.
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Brighton and Sussex Medical School, UK; 2Bournemouth University, UK; 3University of Bristol, UK; 4Autistica, UK; 5Period Positive, UK; 6Sheffield Hallam University, UK