Dr Rachel Moseley completed her PhD in cognitive neuroscience at Cambridge University and is now employed as a Principle Academic at Bournemouth University. While her early work focused on brain function and connectivity in autism, her research now centres on issues facing autistic adults, most notably mental ill-health, suicide, late diagnosis and ageing. Dr Moseley is passionate about participatory research and public engagement to increase acceptance and kindness around neurodiversity.
Little is known about the struggles of autistic people in later life. Issues pertinent for women are especially neglected. The hormonal changes of menopause are accompanied by a raft of physical and psychological changes which impact on health and quality of life. Depression, anxiety and cognitive changes, accompanied by physical symptoms, may make everyday life challenges seem unsurmountable, and suicidality in women increases during the menopausal period. Knowing this, it seems paramount to investigate how menopause is experienced by autistic women, a group who are already at higher risk for physical and mental health issues and suicidality.
In this talk, Dr Moseley will discuss findings from two qualitative studies: a participatory focus group, and in-depth interviews with 17 autistic individuals. The menopause emerged as a time in which “the cracks in the mask started to appear”, difficulties worsened and coping skills failed. Participants struggled with professional ignorance and disinterest and their own lack of menopausal awareness; they struggled to communicate their difficulties and access support. The findings suggest that the menopausal transition may be a time where wellbeing is compromised and the health needs of autistic women are worryingly unmet.