Pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal year are unique time periods in a woman’s life, that impact her identity, agency, and her ability to transition to a new or expanded role as mother. Socially, childbirth is loaded with expectations of joy, fulfillment, and love. What happens when a woman’s experience is coloured by the overlay of autism spectrum disorder? Perhaps her sensory threshold, her ability to read social cues in unfamiliar environments, or her partner’s ability to support her are all challenged by the settings and protocols of perinatal care. In the postnatal period, attachment, infant needs, and physical healing can be intensified by autism-spectrum differences. This presentation will consider current research on ASD in childbearing women, the roles of her family and care team when ASD is present, and will offer suggestions provided by women themselves who balance ASD and family demands in this unique and critical life phase.
Learning Objectives:
Discuss the current range of experiences within the spectrum of autism disorders
Discuss the changes in understanding that have occurred as a result of an evolution within the diagnosis of autism spectrum challenges
Critique recent studies and other resources involving subjects in the perinatal period who screen positive for concurrent autism spectrum experiences
Apply ideas for functional supports within their practices supporting birthing women who may also have autism spectrum experiences
Apply ideas for conversations to screen for autism-related experiences in the women and families they serve
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