Autistic persons are more vulnerable to depression and anxiety while pregnant, in keeping with latest research from the University of Cambridge. The outcomes are published within the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders and have necessary implications for supporting autistic people while pregnant.
Within the study, led by researchers on the Autism Research Centre, 524 non-autistic people and 417 autistic people accomplished a web-based survey about their experience of pregnancy. Anyone who was pregnant on the time of responding or had previously given birth was eligible to participate.
The study revealed that autistic parents were around 3 times more likely than non-autistic parents to report having experienced prenatal depression (9% of non-autistic parents and 24% of autistic parents) and anxiety (14% of non-autistic parents and 48% of autistic parents).
Autistic respondents also experienced lower satisfaction with pregnancy healthcare. Autistic respondents were less more likely to trust professionals, feel that professionals took their questions and concerns seriously, feel that professionals treated them respectfully, and be satisfied with how information was presented to them in appointments. Moreover, autistic respondents were more more likely to experience sensory issues while pregnant and more more likely to feel overwhelmed by the sensory environment of prenatal appointments.
This study suggests that autistic persons are more vulnerable to mental health difficulties while pregnant. It’s imperative that effective mental health screening and support is accessible for autistic people while pregnant.”
Dr Sarah Hampton, Study’s Lead Researcher
Dr Rosie Holt, a member of the research team, added: “The outcomes also suggest that autistic people may profit from accommodations to prenatal healthcare. These may include adjustments to the sensory environment of healthcare settings, in addition to adjustments to how information is communicated during prenatal appointments.”
Dr Carrie Allison, Deputy Director of the Autism Research Centre and a member of the team, said: “We’re grateful to members of the autistic community for providing feedback after we designed this research. It’s important that autistic individuals with lived experience help shape the research we do, and we keep their priorities as a transparent focus.”
Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre and a member of the research team, said: “It is crucial that more research is conducted the experiences of autistic latest parents, who’ve been neglected in research. It’s also necessary that this research is translated into health and social care policy and practice to make sure these parents receive the support and adaptations they need in a timely manner.”
Source:
Journal reference:
Hampton, S., et al. (2022) Autistic People’s Perinatal Experiences I: A Survey of Pregnancy Experiences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05754-1.