Autistic People's Perinatal Experiences II: A Survey of Childbirth and Postnatal Experiences
- Resource Type
- Journal Articles
Reports - Research
- Authors
- Hampton, S. (ORCID 0000-0001-5967-9845); Allison, C.; Baron-Cohen, S.; Holt, R.
- Source
- Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. Jul 2023 53(7):2749-2763.
- Subject
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
Control Groups
Experience
Birth
Sensory Experience
Psychological Patterns
Satisfaction
Health Services
Depression (Psychology)
Anxiety
Females
Mothers
Stress Variables
Mental Health
Communication Strategies
- Language
- English
- ISSN
- 0162-3257
1573-3432
Qualitative accounts indicate there are sensory and communication related barriers to adequate childbirth and postnatal healthcare for autistic people. However, little quantitative work has explored the topic. This online survey study explored childbirth and postnatal experiences among 384 autistic and 492 non-autistic people. Compared with non-autistic people, autistic people were more likely to find the sensory aspects of birth overwhelming, and experienced lower satisfaction with birth-related and postnatal healthcare. Autistic people were more likely to experience postnatal depression and anxiety. The findings highlight that sensory and communication adjustments should be made to birth and postnatal healthcare for autistic people. The findings indicate the need for greater autism understanding among professionals and greater postnatal mental health support for autistic people.