Many of my clients, ranging from those experiencing perimenopause to those who are post-menopausal, have confronted the challenges of menopause over the years. Many women experience difficulties around menopause, from hot flashes and night sweats to aches and pains, fatigue, and mood swings. But what I hear from my clients—and what is supported by recent research—is that menopause might pose particular challenges for autistic women.1

There are several reasons why menopause may prove especially problematic for women with autism, including:

1. Problems dealing with appointments and healthcare providers.

Seemingly "simple" tasks, such as making appointments and communicating with healthcare providers, can be extremely difficult for autistic women due to executive function issues and challenges with social communication.

Connecting with my own GP practice, for example, typically involves getting through to a secretary (which often takes about 20 minutes) and explaining the health issue you're experiencing, before being directed to an initial phone call with the GP. Like many autistic people, I struggle with phone calls and find dealing with the unknown steps required to make appointments—like unexpectedly having to deal with more than one person—difficult to manage.

Many of my clients face similar issues when considering accessing health support during menopause. One client said, "It might seem extreme, but I spent years—and I mean years—dealing with horrible symptoms because I just couldn't face dealing with the appointment and then trying to explain my experience to my GP. I just kept limping along until I couldn't take it anymore."

2. Past negative experiences with healthcare providers

Experiencing negative responses from healthcare practitioners when discussing menopause can be a part of any woman's experience—but autistic women may be especially likely to have previous negative experiences with GPs, psychologists, and psychiatrists, a theme that has emerged........

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