Harshini Sirvisetty, Period Pro from the University of Louisville School of Medicine
Harshini Sirvisetty, Period Pro
Having a period can be scary and stressful, especially for autistic menstruators who may face unique challenges. Read on to learn about these challenges so that you can join us in supporting autistic menstruators and making periods easier to manage!
1. Sensory Sensitivities
Some autistic people have very strong reactions to different textures, sounds, or even smells. Pads, tampons, and period underwear can feel uncomfortable or scratchy, especially to individuals sensitive to touch. The feel, smell, or sight of blood can also be distressing. To add on to this, menstruators’ senses can get heightened right before getting a period. Oy vey!
Ways to Help: Experimenting with various period products, like period underwear or different types of pads, can help one find what’s most comfortable to them. Practicing using these products days/weeks and even years in advance can help menstruators be prepared when they start their period.
2. Changes to Daily Routines
Many autistic people like routines because they create a sense of comfort and predictability. However, the cramps, tiredness, and mood swings that come with periods can make it hard for those who rely on structure. Furthermore, managing periods may require making changes, like using different hygiene products, getting extra rest, or even wearing different clothing. Changes like these can feel overwhelming for someone who is used to regular habits.
Ways to Help: Creating a predictable routine for periods—like setting reminders for changing pads or using a calendar to track cycles—can help. Following a step-by-step list of things to do can also bring predictability.
3. Self-Care Challenges
Self-care can be a challenge for some autistic people, especially if they find it hard to remember tasks or stay organized. This can make managing period tasks, like tracking cycles or remembering to change products, a bit difficult.
Ways to Help: Using a period-tracking app or setting phone reminders can help make self-care easier. Keeping a “period kit” and keeping it close by with pain relievers, snacks, and favorite comfort items can also be helpful.
4. Communicating Needs
Communication about periods can be challenging, especially if the person finds it hard to talk about how they feel or what they need. Some autistic people may find it hard to explain when they have cramps or feel uncomfortable, which can make it hard for others to know how to help. Amplified mood swings, increased irritability, and difficulty managing emotions due to hormonal fluctuations can be particularly challenging for autistic individuals that are facing difficulties with emotional regulation.
Ways to Help: Using communication platforms/apps can make it easier to share symptoms or feelings. Family members, friends, and teachers who learn about these challenges can help provide increased support.
5. Stigma and Limited Awareness
Periods often carry stigma, which can be harder for autistic individuals facing social challenges. Some autistic menstruators may feel nervous about being judged for how they handle their periods or for needing to adjust things in public, like fixing their clothing or changing out their menstrual products in public restrooms. Additionally, many period resources aren’t designed with autistic people’s unique needs in mind, so finding helpful information can be tough.
Ways to Help: Families, friends, and teachers can support autistic menstruators by talking openly about periods and helping them feel comfortable. Using visual guides or step-by-step instructions can also make information about periods more understandable.
Periods can be challenging for anyone, but they can feel especially complicated for autistic menstruators. With kindness, understanding, and a few simple tools, families and friends can make the experience more manageable and less stressful!
Resources:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/menstruation
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/menstruation
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