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Why

Healthcare practitioners currently lack evidence-based guidance for supporting Autistic women during the pre and postnatal period. Initial research suggests that Autistic women face challenges during this period such as heightened sensory issues, increased risk of prenatal depression and anxiety, and a higher likelihood of experiencing a caesarean section, along with lower satisfaction with the prenatal experience. These experiences differ from those of non-Autistic individuals, making it important to study this specific group.

Women with disabilities, including autism, face an elevated risk of coexisting health conditions during pregnancy, leading to poorer maternal and infant outcomes compared to those without disabilities. These women are more susceptible to complications like hypertension, diabetes and preterm birth. Given the communication challenges many Autistic adults encounter with healthcare professionals, the struggle to receive proper care can result in ongoing physical and mental health issues.

What are the experiences of Autistic women during pregnancy and in early parenthood? How can healthcare practitioners provide more effective support to women during this time?

The research

APEX – Autistic Pregnancy and Early Parenthood Experiences and Support – is a team of Autistic and non-Autistic researchers, practitioners and advisors that is exploring how to provide better healthcare experiences and support for Autistic women in pregnancy and early parenthood.

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Publication

Love, A.M.A., Cai, R.Y., Rideout, B., Hollenberg, L., Clapham, H., McKeown, G., Edwards C., Robinson, A., Benzie, C., & Gibbs, V. (2025) Stories of Competence, Challenges, and Coping: The Experiences of Australian Autistic People During Pregnancy and Early Parenthood. Autism in Adulthood.

Presentations

Project lead, Dr Abbey Love and research participants, Hayley Clapham and Lee Squires discussed this project and their lived experiences with healthcare professionals at The Women's Grand Round December 2024.

Launch of the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub

The Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub was launched on 25 June 2025 at a special event attended by guests from the research community, women’s health, perinatal care and autism organisations.

Visit the Hub

A panel of expertise and wisdom

Autistic parents Gilly McKeown and Lee Squires joined Dr Abbey Love, project lead from the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice, and Cherise Smith from The Royal Women’s Hospital for a panel discussion, facilitated by Mel Spencer OAM, CEO of Different Journeys and autism advocate.

Live demonstration of the Hub

Abbey gave a live demonstration of the new Hub, showcasing its content and thoughtful design which were born from research and co-developed under the guidance of an advisory team of researchers, Autistic people and healthcare professionals.

The project team behind the Hub

Celebrating the launch of the Hub were members of the project team who explored the perinatal experiences of Autistic people and co-designed the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub.

An outcome of this research was the development of the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub, a first-of-its-kind online resource to support Autistic parents and expectant parents, and to help healthcare professionals better understand and support Autistic people during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Pregnancy hub

Research team

Dr Abbey Love, Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP)

Dr Ru Ying Cai, ARCAP

Dr Chris Edwards, ARCAP

Dr Vicki Gibbs, ARCAP

Charlie Benzie, La Trobe University

Cherise Smith, The Royal Women's Hospital

Prof Della Forster, La Trobe University

Bronwyn Rideout, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington

Started

2024

Ends

2026

Funding

Victorian State Government (FR-14372) Diverse Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Grants Program

auDA Foundation 2023 Community Grants

The Woodend Foundation

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