New digital resource transforms understanding of Autistic experiences in maternal care
Sydney, Australia - Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) has launched a first-of-its-kind online resource to support Autistic people during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. The Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub offers accessible, evidence-informed information for expectant and new parents, as well as tools to help healthcare professionals better understand and support Autistic patients during this important life stage.
Funded by a grant from the Victorian State Government Diverse Communities, Mental Health and Wellbeing, the hub was co-produced over 16 months by Aspect’s research arm, the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) with an advisory team of Autistic and non-Autistic researchers, practitioners and individuals. Informed by Autistic parents and guided by their lived experiences, the hub addresses a significant gap in maternity care systems, where Autistic people often feel misunderstood, unsupported, or even traumatised by care that does not accommodate their sensory or communication needs.
Initial research by ARCAP supports existing studies that show Autistic individuals are more likely to experience prenatal anxiety and depression, are at higher risk of medical complications, and frequently report lower satisfaction with the maternity care they receive. Many also face difficulty accessing appropriate postnatal support, with communication barriers contributing to negative or even unsafe experiences.
Dr Abbey Love, Research Fellow at ARCAP, said the launch of the hub marks an important step toward improving outcomes for Autistic parents and their babies.
“Too often, Autistic voices are missing from conversations about maternity care and this project puts those voices at the centre,” said Dr Love. “The hub offers validation, guidance and connection for Autistic parents, while also helping health professionals learn how to deliver care that is respectful, inclusive and safe.”
The resource includes real-life stories from Autistic parents, practical strategies for managing appointments, sensory-friendly birthing options and videos that explore common challenges and strengths in early parenting. It is also designed to serve as a training tool for clinicians and midwives who want to learn more about providing inclusive care, with three free training modules available on the hub.
For many Autistic women, the hub is a turning point in how they’re seen and supported.
Kim Gerlach, an Autistic parent who contributed to the research project said the biggest challenge was mostly to do with the medical team. “Learning all about what is needed and required for a baby is complicated, there is so much medical terminology to learn,” said Ms Gerlach. “At the same time, I was having to try and work out what to expect from appointments.
“I often felt like I was speaking a different language to my healthcare team. The lights were too bright, the sounds were overwhelming and I didn’t always feel understood.
“Preparing for parenthood is daunting enough, let alone being Autistic and trying to be heard in a healthcare environment that is fast-paced and one size fits all. Knowing there’s now a resource to equip and support other Autistic parents means the world to me.”
Healthcare professionals are also welcoming the hub as a practical, accessible way to improve their understanding and care practices.
Dr Charlie Benzie, Senior Lecturer in midwifery at LaTrobe University said this resource is incredibly valuable for clinicians. “We want to support Autistic patients better but don’t always know how,” said Dr Benzie. “The hub provides real insights and guidance that help us deliver care that’s more respectful, empowering and effective.”
The idea for the hub grew out of extensive research conducted with Autistic people across Australia, highlighting not only the challenges they face, but also the unique perspectives, resilience and insight they bring to parenthood. By translating these research findings into a living, evolving digital space, the Aspect team hopes to improve both care experiences and health outcomes for Autistic families.
ARCAP is encouraging both the Autistic community and healthcare practitioners to explore the hub, provide feedback and help shape its future development.
The Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub has been funded by the Victorian State Government Diverse Communities, Mental Health and Wellbeing Grant and is now live at: http://www.aspect.org.au/new-parents
Further information on the research and development of the hub is available at: https://www.aspect.org.au/uploads/documents/Research/New-parents/Report-4-page-for-web.pdf
