Empowering Autistic Women in Pregnancy and Motherhood

I received a late diagnosis of autism aged 38. This followed diagnosis of a male family member. By this age I was a mother to five children. I had undergone traumatic experiences during pregnancy, suffering with high levels... [ view full abstract ]

I received a late diagnosis of autism aged 38. This followed diagnosis of a male family member. By this age I was a mother to five children. I had undergone traumatic experiences during pregnancy, suffering with high levels of anxiety and rigid behaviours. I was considered to have serious mental health issues. Only after my diagnosis did I have the knowledge of why I had experienced such difficult pregnancies and found motherhood complex. Since then I have had another child and connected with some autistic women who have also experienced similar issues.

Even with my diagnosis I found that medical professionals in the field of obstetrics and maternity were not aware of how my autism may affect me. My disability is hidden and because I don't look disabled then to most people I must be fine. I have since tried to spread awareness to maternity staff of the issues that may affect autistic women during pregnancy and motherhood. Sensory overload, anxiety, rigidity of thought and more. This is a slow process and doesn't appear to be high on any agenda. So I have focussed on trying to empower women. Once women have a diagnosis and understand how their autism impacts on them they can develop strategies. Once they are confident in their own supportive strategies then they can articulate their needs to others, including birth supports, partners,as well as medical staff. If we can have a two pronged strategy tackling women and staff we will eventually meet in the middle.