“Like I Wasn’t in Control of Myself”: Menstruation Experiences of Autistic Young Adults
Abstract
There is growing awareness that menstruation may be challenging for autistic people, but reporting from autistic people themselves is limited. Semi-structured interviews with 9 autistic young adults (all cisgender females) explored the experiences of menstruation. Thematic analysis described the influence and impact of co-occurring conditions, sensitivity to emotional and physical stimuli, and as emotional resignation – where despite distressing symptoms, people seemed to accept that this was the norm and did not expect the situation to change (resignation). The study emphasizes the importance of tailored support systems and educational resources to better address the specific menstrual health needs of autistic individuals.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Menstrual Health and Disorders
Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
Eating Disorders and Behaviors
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Women s Reproductive Health
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 698–711
- Publication date
- 9 January 2026
- Language
- EN