Autism and Periods
Disclaimer: Any views, opinions and tips on this blog are personal and belong solely to myself (Kyra) and don’t represent the views of affiliated professionals and organisations. Additionally, I’m not a professional advisor regarding Autism and the content produced on this blog is solely from my own experiences.
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Menstruation can be an anxiety-inducing experience due to challenges relating to sensory sensitivities, emotional regulation and routine changes during the cycle.
There is limited research on Autism and periods, likely due to Autistic research largely focusing on cis-gendered boys and men. As a result, there is a lack of understanding of how periods can affect the physical, emotional and sensory aspects of Autistic people.
What is Mensturation?
Mensuration or periods is part of the menstrual cycle where people with a vagina bleed for an average of 2-7 days. For most people, it happens every 21-40 days, but it’s common for people to have irregular periods due to life circumstances.
It’s likely that people will get their first period in late childhood or early teenage years. It usually stops when people enter what is known as menopause, which usually occurs during their late forties or early fifties (but every person is different).
Sensory Sensitivities
Research suggests that many Autistic people report being hypersensitive to noise, taste and smell during their periods, which increases the barriers in everyday life. For instance, research found that many Autistic people with periods are more likely to experience painful and heavy periods.
Other sensory sensitivities include:
Sensitivity to the smell and sight of menstrual blood.
The noise of menstrual products in public places.
The feeling of menstrual periods throughout the day.
Executive Functioning
According to Authentically Emily, executive functioning refers to knowing what you need to do and how to do it.
This is particularly something which many young Autistic people who are new to periods find challenging. This is because Autistic people who struggle with executive functioning will often require practice before learning how to self-manage their periods. As Robyn Steward says, “It’s not just about learning to do something new; it’s also all the sensory experiences, the noises, the sounds the smells.”
For me, managing my periods has always been a strict regime which I’ve adapted to over the years. From experiencing many trials and errors, I’ve managed to create a regime that allows me to overcome my challenges of executive functioning and create a less anxiety-inducing experience for myself during my periods. For example, I’ve got into the habit of remembering to put a small period bag inside my backpack or tote bag so I’m always prepared for the uninvited guest.
However, developing this regime took years, and would’ve been easier if I had access to tools that would’ve taught me about the different period products, what to expect and how to prepare for periods.
Research spoke of how many Autistic people highlighted the need for institutions to tell Autistics “what happens before their first period” so it doesn’t surprise them. This is because Autistic people find change difficult to manage due to the anxiety of experiencing the unknown. As a result, knowing what to expect with periods will allow a less anxiety-inducing experience for many Autistic people. For example, knowing what products are recommended, how to manage pain and PMS will allow the chance for them to familiarise themselves with a variety of products before their first period.
A book which I wish I had before my first period is “The Autism Friendly Guide to Periods” by Robyn Steward. This book is geared to support Autistic people before and after their first period, by giving advice on how to manage sensory sensitivities, pain management and navigating different period products.
Strategies for Self-Management
Everybody’s periods are different and it’s important to learn more about your own period, thus there are strategies for self-management that may or may not work for you. Nevertheless, below I’ve listed a few strategies which may help you begin your journey to self-management:
Use a period tracking app to understand your cycle and to get reminders on when your period will likely start.
Use a period tracking app to track your emotions and to understand when you’re most and least productive. This will especially help to plan activities such as studying, extracurriculars or socialising.
Create a small period bag that is filled with spare period products, underwear and pain management. I would suggest keeping one in each bag you use to avoid misplacing the period bag.
What Next?
Further research needs to be conducted to fully understand the experience of Autism and periods. This would allow greater support for Autistics, whether that is their family preparing them before their first period or schools teaching both Allist and Autistic children how periods affect every individual differently. As a result, Autistic children and adults will better understand how to develop a routine that reduces sensory sensitivities.
There’s limited research on the intersectionality between race, disability and gender, and how it amplifies stereotypical images of specific groups, especially for Black Autistic women.