Unmet need for autism-aware care for gynaecological, menstrual and sexual wellbeing.

ABSTRACT: Autism can make menstruation and menopause and other aspects of reproductive and sexual health (RSH) more difficult. However, healthcare professionals (HCPs) often fail to provide autism-aware care, and often lack the skills or confidence to discuss RSH with patients. This study explored whether autistic people experience particular difficulties and have unmet needs when seeking RSH care. Online surveys consisting of forced-choice items and free-text boxes were completed by 136 autistic adults in the United Kingdom. Quantitative data were analysed using standard parametric and non-parametric tests. Qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The data provide a clear picture of unmet needs for autism-aware healthcare for RSH. The quantitative data and qualitative analysis revealed that re

SUBMITTER: de Visser RO 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11967085 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature