Bournemouth
University
Proceeds from the Menopause Friendly
Employer Awards 2022 is fully funding
research into menopause and autism.
"Many menopausal people grew up in a time when autism
simply wasn't recognised in girls and women."
This three-year research project will begin shortly following a £56,000
donation from the Menopause Friendly Employer Awards 2022.
Previous research has highlighted that menopause transition can present
difficulties for some autistic people. A key feature of being autistic is
struggling with uncertainty and change. Biologically, autistic people seem
to be very sensitive to hormonal fluctuations too.
Many menopausal people grew up in a time when autism simply wasn't
recognised in girls and women. They would have grown up feeling different
and would have developed their own style of coping mechanisms to deal
with certain aspects of life. When menopause hit, we found that this is
when coping mechanisms often failed. In some cases, it was at this point
people sought a diagnosis.
Dr Rachel Moseley
Senior Lecturer In Psychology, Bournmouth University