Ellis Rebecca, Williams Gemma, Caemawr Selena, Craine Monique, Holloway Willow, Williams Kathryn, Shaw Sebastian C K, Grant Aimee
School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales.
Aubergine Café.
Autism Adulthood. 2025 Apr 17. doi: 10.1089/aut.2024.0307.
Menstruation is a biological process which can be irregular, painful, and co-occur with fatigue, social withdrawal, and increased emotions. There is some evidence to suggest Autistic people experience menstruation differently to non-Autistic people.
This systematic review (PROSPERO registration: CRD42023399674) searched four databases in February 2023. We used thematic synthesis to analyse qualitative studies of experiences related to menstruation for Autistic people and people providing support to Autistic people. We also appraised the quality of studies with CASP.
Our thematic synthesis of twelve (eight peer-reviewed; four grey literature) sources identified differing priorities between parents, professionals, and Autistic people. Autistic people reported physical, emotional and social impacts of menstruation. Furthermore, there were reports of increased Autism-specific experiences during menstruation such as increased sensory sensitivities, burnout and anxiety, which were often unseen by those who supported them. Autistic people's menstruation priorities were obtaining knowledge and skills ahead of their first period. However, parents and professionals focused on external behaviours including hygiene and obtaining independence in managing periods. Sources poorly described participant demographics and had a limited focus on Autistic perspectives.
We conclude there needs to be tailored support to meet the needs of both Autistic individuals and those who support them. This should be informed by research which centers Autistic people.
月经是一个生理过程，可能不规律、疼痛，并伴有疲劳、社交退缩和情绪波动。有证据表明，自闭症患者的月经体验与非自闭症患者不同。
本系统综述（PROSPERO注册号：CRD42023399674）于2023年2月检索了四个数据库。我们采用主题综合分析法，对自闭症患者及其支持者的月经相关经历的定性研究进行分析。我们还使用CASP对研究质量进行了评估。
我们对12份资料（8份同行评议；4份灰色文献）进行的主题综合分析确定了父母、专业人员和自闭症患者之间不同的优先事项。自闭症患者报告了月经对身体、情感和社交的影响。此外，有报告称，月经期间自闭症特有的体验有所增加，如感官敏感度提高、倦怠和焦虑，而这些往往是他们的支持者所看不到的。自闭症患者在月经方面的首要任务是在初潮前获取知识和技能。然而，父母和专业人员关注的是外部行为，包括卫生和在经期管理中获得独立性。资料对参与者的人口统计学特征描述不佳，对自闭症患者观点的关注有限。
我们得出结论，需要提供量身定制的支持，以满足自闭症患者及其支持者的需求。这应以围绕自闭症患者的研究为依据。
