Childbirth Experiences of Women With Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Acute Care Setting

Donovan, Jane

doi:10.1016/j.nwh.2020.04.001

Cited by 22 publications

(45 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Overall, our search identified 13 total articles, including 7 that considered pregnancy among autistic adults (Table 1) and 8 that concerned parenthood (Table 2). [59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71] (3) parenting challenges (e.g., feeling judged as incompetent by service providers).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…62,70 During qualitative interviews autistic women reported difficulty communicating in various settings, including about how they felt during labor with health care professionals and challenges in comprehending questions nurses asked them during birth. 61,68,69 These communication difficulties were also observed in the postpartum period, wherein autistic women reported feeling judged as incompetent or as being misinterpreted by service providers. 61,70 Pregnancy outcomes.…”

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 90%

“…Three studies used thematic analysis to characterize the lived experiences of autistic women during pregnancy. 61,62,70 These studies found that autistic women experience sensory differences that affect all stages of pregnancy. For example, autistic women described difficulty processing sensations during the prenatal period and delivery, including during checkup appointments and the birth process, as well as during breastfeeding.…”

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 95%

“…The existing research on pregnancy among autistic adults has been conducted across a variety of international settings, including Australia, Sweden, Scotland, and Western nations such as the United Kingdom and United States. 61,[68][69][70][71] It will be important for future study to consider differences among these settings, given that there are critical differences in national health care systems that may impact the pregnancy experience. Given that this research has been conducted within primarily Western nations, very little is known about pregnancy among autistic adults in other international contexts.…”

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…69,71 Regarding other aspects of identity, only one study reported on racial or ethnic identity, with the majority (83%) of participants identifying as White. 61 In addition, only one study reported on nonbinary gender identity. 69 Thus, there is a critical need for studies among Black, indigenous, and immigrant autistic communities, and autistic adults who identify as sexual and/or gender minorities.…”

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 4 more Smart Citations

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Autistic Adults: Implications for Advancing Maternal Health and Parental Well-Being

McDonnell

DeLucia

2021

Autism in Adulthood

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Background: Strikingly little research has considered how autistic adults experience pregnancy and parenthood, two key transition periods in adult development with potentially far-reaching implications for physical and psychosocial health outcomes across the lifespan. This article reviews the research on pregnancy and parenthood among autistic adults, to summarize existing research and identify future directions to advance this critical area of study. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature on pregnancy and parenthood among autistic adults. Researchers extracted selected articles for key information, including methodology and sample size, study location, demographic characteristics of participants, measurement approaches, and key study findings. Results: Overall, we identified 13 studies that used a range of quantitative and qualitative approaches to study pregnancy experiences and outcomes and parenthood among autistic adults. The findings show that autistic adults (1) experience difficulties and dissatisfaction communicating with health care providers throughout pregnancy and birth, (2) are more likely to experience depression during and after pregnancy, and (3) experience higher rates of pregnancy complications, including preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and pre-eclampsia. During parenthood, autistic adults report lower parenting competence, experience parenthood as isolating, have difficulty communicating with professionals about their child and are questioned by providers about their ability to parent, experience high rates of involvement with child protective services, and express a desire for increased parenting support. Autistic adults also reported parenting strengths, including high levels of finding parenthood rewarding and putting their children's needs ahead of their own. Conclusions: A key limitation of the literature is the significant lack of sociodemographic diversity among participants, the small number of existing studies, and reliance on cross-sectional mono-method designs. Future research should be conducted in partnership with autistic adults to develop assessment and intervention approaches for supporting pregnancy health and parental well-being among diverse and underserved communities.

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Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 90%

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 95%

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Pregnancy Periodmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Autistic Adults: Implications for Advancing Maternal Health and Parental Well-Being

McDonnell

DeLucia

2021

Autism in Adulthood

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Sensory challenges experienced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth: a systematic review

Samuel

Yew

Hooley

et al. 2021

Arch Gynecol Obstet

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Autistic People’s Perinatal Experiences II: A Survey of Childbirth and Postnatal Experiences

Hampton

Allison

Baron‐Cohen

et al. 2022

J Autism Dev Disord

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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.

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Childbirth Experiences of Women With Autism Spectrum Disorder in an Acute Care Setting

Cited by 22 publications

References 23 publications

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Autistic Adults: Implications for Advancing Maternal Health and Parental Well-Being

Pregnancy and Parenthood Among Autistic Adults: Implications for Advancing Maternal Health and Parental Well-Being

Sensory challenges experienced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth: a systematic review

Autistic People’s Perinatal Experiences II: A Survey of Childbirth and Postnatal Experiences

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