Historically, a diagnosis of ADHD or Autism was often accompanied by significant stigma, frequently resulting in individuals being labeled as poorly behaved, possessing a low IQ, or being anti-social. However, there is increasing understanding of the challenges and realities associated with neurodiversity for both children and adults. This positive trend is largely attributable to widespread media coverage, which has fostered greater acceptance.

Autism specialists are re-evaluating the diagnostic criteria, especially concerning women and girls. This re-examination highlights challenges they may have faced throughout their lives, which can now be recognized as the underlying cause and reason for various mental health manifestations in certain cases.

Why is this important for women in menopause?

The menopause transition frequently serves as a period of profound reflection and self-analysis, prompting women to concentrate on their symptoms, experiences, and needs. Furthermore, while research on the intersection of neurodivergence and menopause is relatively nascent, an increasing number of women are receiving diagnoses in mid-life.

What causes this occurrence?

Hormonal shifts in the menopause transition can impact our neurological, cognitive function and studies show an interaction between ND and menopause (1). Menopause does not cause ND BUT it can exacerbate traits of ND leading women to seek diagnosis at this time. A recent survey by Jenkins et al 2024 found that 54% of 485 participants did not know they were autistic until they reached menopause. (2)

The decrease in oestrogen production during perimenopause may exacerbate neurodivergent (ND) characteristics if they are present, and ND can influence the severity of menopause symptoms. It is crucial to distinguish between mental health changes related to perimenopause and those associated with neurodiversity. Nevertheless, if you find that understanding ND provides insight into sensory, mood, and social sensitivities during this period, it might be beneficial to

References

1) Brinton RD, Yao J, Yin F, Mack WJ, Cadenas E. Perimenopause as a neurological transition state. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2015 Jul;11(7):393-405. doi: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.82. Epub 2015 May 26. PMID: 26007613; PMCID: PMC9934205.

2) Jenkins, C. A., Moseley, R. L., Matthews, R. J., van Rensburg, M. J., Gamble-Turner, J. M., & Brady, M. J. (2024). “Struggling for Years”: An international survey on Autistic experiences of menopause. Neurodiversity, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241299366