Exploratory Study of Childbearing Experiences of Women with Asperger Syndrome

Gardner, Marcia; Suplee, Patricia Dunphy; Bloch, Joan Rosen; Lecks, K.

doi:10.1016/j.nwh.2015.12.001

Cited by 37 publications

(109 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Research on the experiences of pregnancy and early infancy for autistic mothers has highlighted challenges that may be associated with sensory processing and difficulties [12,13]. However, despite these sensory issues, most mothers in our sample were able to successfully breastfeed their child, with over 80% of autistic mothers attempting to breastfeed their first two children.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

“…Further research is necessary to better understand the relationship between autism and breastfeeding. As others have also reported that autistic mothers have a high degree of interest in the benefits of breastfeeding and engagement with breastfeeding [12], lactation consultants and breastfeeding support organisations such as La Leche League might be a key professional group that could benefit from further training about interacting with autistic mothers.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

“…To date, only the experience of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period in autistic women have been studied [12,13]. Using qualitative methods, these studies highlighted themes important to autistic mothers [12,13]: Heightened sensory experiences during the perinatal period, including breastfeeding; the desire for clear guidance from healthcare professionals and family; stress that follows from the perceived pressure to be a patient and perfect mother; and the stigmatisation of autistic mothers as 'bad parents' by healthcare professionals. However, further research of autistic motherhood, beyond the perinatal period, is needed.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Difficulties with processing sensory experiences, for example issues with breastfeeding, and communicating with professionals, such as clinicians, midwives and nurses [12,13] may be unique components of the motherhood experience for autistic women. Autism is associated with sensory hypersensitivity, often leading to sensory overload [22,23].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Autism is associated with sensory hypersensitivity, often leading to sensory overload [22,23]. Gardner et al reported that for some autistic women this made the physical sensation of breastfeeding unpleasant, but that autistic mothers were nevertheless able to successfully breastfeed as they felt it was in the best interest of their child [12]. The ability to overcome difficulties in order to act in the best of interest of the child may play a vital role in the experience of motherhood for autistic women.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood

et al. 2020

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Background: Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference and disability, yet there is limited research examining parenting in autistic mothers. Objective: To explore autistic mothers' experience of the perinatal period and parenthood. This includes pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period, self-perception of parenting strengths and weaknesses, communication with professionals in relation to one's child, mental health difficulties and the social experience of motherhood. It also includes disclosing one's diagnosis of autism in parenting contexts. Methods: We used a community-based participatory research model, and recruited an advisory panel, with whom we co-developed an anonymous, online survey for autistic mothers. The online survey was completed by autistic and nonautistic mothers, and we compared their responses using Chi-squared analysis. Sample: Autistic mothers (n = 355), and non-autistic mothers (n = 132), each of whom had at least one autistic child, were included in our final analysis. Results: There were differences in education, gender identity and age of mother at birth of first child. Autistic mothers were more likely to have experienced additional psychiatric conditions, including pre-or post-partum depression, and reported greater difficulties in areas such as multi-tasking, coping with domestic responsibilities and creating social opportunities for their child. They were also more likely to report feeling misunderstood by professionals, and reported greater anxiety, higher rates of selective mutism, and not knowing which details were appropriate to share with professionals. They were also more likely to find motherhood an isolating experience, to worry about others judging their parenting, or feel unable to turn to others for support in parenting. However, despite these challenges, autistic mothers were able to act in the best interest of their child, putting their child's needs first. Conclusions: Autistic mothers face unique challenges and the stigma associated with autism may further exacerbate communication difficulties. Greater understanding and acceptance amongst individuals who interact with autistic mothers is needed, and autistic mothers would benefit from additional and better-tailored support.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 80%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 96%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood

et al. 2020

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Perinatal and Postpartum Health Among People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Shea,

Sadowsky,

Tao

et al. 2024

JAMA Netw Open

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ImportanceSmall, geographically limited studies report that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have increased risk for serious pregnancy-related and birth-related challenges, including preeclampsia, preterm birth, and increased anxiety and depression, than their peers. United States–based population-level data among people with IDD are lacking.ObjectivesTo identify perinatal and postpartum outcomes among a national, longitudinal sample of people with IDD enrolled in public health insurance, compare subgroups of people with IDD, and compare outcomes among people with IDD with those of peers without IDD.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study used national Medicaid claims from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2019, for 55 440 birthing people with IDD and a random sample of 438 557 birthing people without IDD. Medicaid funds almost half of all births and is the largest behavioral health insurer in the US, covering a robust array of services for people with IDD. Statistical analysis was performed from July 2023 to June 2024.ExposurePeople who had a documented birth in Medicaid during the study years.Main Outcome and MeasuresPerinatal outcomes were compared across groups using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. The probability of postpartum anxiety and depression was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsThe study sample included 55 440 birthing people with IDD (including 41 854 with intellectual disabilities [ID] and 13 586 with autism; mean [SD] age at first delivery, 24.9 [6.7] years) and a random sample of 438 557 birthing people without IDD (mean [SD] age at first delivery, 26.4 [6.3] years). People with IDD were younger at first observed delivery, had a lower prevalence of live births (66.6% vs 76.7%), and higher rates of obstetric conditions (gestational diabetes, 10.3% vs 9.9%; gestational hypertension, 8.7% vs 6.1%; preeclampsia, 6.1% vs 4.4%) and co-occurring physical conditions (heart failure, 1.4% vs 0.4%; hyperlipidemia, 5.3% vs 1.7%; ischemic heart disease, 1.5% vs 0.4%; obesity, 16.3% vs 7.4%) and mental health conditions (anxiety disorders, 27.9% vs 6.5%; depressive disorders, 32.1% vs 7.5%; posttraumatic stress disorder, 9.5% vs 1.2%) than people without IDD. The probability of postpartum anxiety (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 3.2 [95% CI, 2.9-3.4]) and postpartum depression (AHR, 2.4 [95% CI, 2.3-2.6]) was significantly higher among autistic people compared with people with ID only and people without IDD.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this retrospective cohort study, people with IDD had a younger mean age at first delivery, had lower prevalence of live births, and had poor obstetric, mental health, and medical outcomes compared with people without IDD, pointing toward a need for clinician training and timely delivery of maternal health care. Results highlight needed reproductive health education, increasing clinician knowledge, and expanding Medicaid to ensure access to care for people with IDD.

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Recommendations for Research in the Future and Final Comments

Bennett¹,

Goodall

2021

SpringerBriefs in Well-Being and Quality of Life Research

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Exploratory Study of Childbearing Experiences of Women with Asperger Syndrome

Cited by 37 publications

References 15 publications

A comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood

A comparative study of autistic and non-autistic women’s experience of motherhood

Perinatal and Postpartum Health Among People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Recommendations for Research in the Future and Final Comments

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