Have you been feeling different lately? Perhaps you’ve noticed that things that used to be manageable are becoming more challenging, or that you’re seeing patterns in your life that you hadn’t quite pieced together before? You’re not alone. For many women, the journey through midlife and menopause brings more than just the physical and emotional changes we anticipate…it can open open a door to deeper self-discovery, including, for some, the recognition of autism.
Why Now? The Menopause Connection
Our hormones, particularly oestrogen, play a huge role in how we process the world around us…when these hormones start to change during menopause, many women notice shifts in the way they experience daily life, and some aspects of life become more apparent to us.
Think of it like turning up the volume on traits that might have always been there but were easier to manage before. Research shows this isn’t just coincidence…there’s a real biological connection between hormonal changes and they way we process sensory information, handle social situations, and manage our daily routines…three things that are intricately entwined with autism.
What Might You Be Noticing?
If you’re going through perimenopause or menopause, you might be experiencing some changes that feel different from what you hear other women describing. For instance:
Your Senses Might Feel Different
Perhaps that background music in shops that used to be annoying is now unbearable? Or maybe clothes that were once comfortable now feel intensely irritating? Many women discover during menopause that their sensory experiences become more intense…lights seem brighter, sounds feel louder, and textures become more noticeable.
Daily Tasks Might Feel More Challenging
Are you finding it harder to juggle multiple tasks? Or maybe you’re noticing that your tried-and-true organisational systems aren’t working quite as well? This might not just be “menopause brain”…for some women, it’s about how hormonal changes affect our executive functioning.
Social Situations Might Feel Different
During this season of life many women find that social situations which they might have managed well before (even if they found them tiring), now feel more challenging. You might notice you need more time alone to recover from social events, or that your usual ways of navigating social situations require more energy than before. You might start actively avoiding social events and interactions.
A Time of Discovery
Why do so many women discover they might be autistic during menopause? Well, it’s often a perfect storm of circumstances. The hormonal changes can make our natural autistic traits more noticeable, and this often coincides with a time in life when we finally have the space to reflect on our experiences.
Also, at a time in life where children may be more independent, or your career is more established you might have more time to think about yourself and notice patterns in your life that you were too busy to consider before.
What Difference Does Understanding Make?
Learning that you might be autistic later in life can be incredibly enlightening. As one recent client in her early 50’s said “It’s like finally -FINALLY- having the instruction manual for my life.”
Understanding the way your brain works can help you:
– Make sense of past experiences
– Develop strategies that work better for you
– Feel more confident in advocating for your needs
– Connect with others who share similar experiences
– Navigate menopause with greater self-awareness
Supporting Yourself
If what you’re reading resonates with you, here are some gentle first steps you might consider:
1. Notice Your Patterns: Start paying attention to when you feel most comfortable and when you feel overwhelmed. What environments work best for you? What situations require more recovery time?
2. Make Small Adjustments: Trust your instincts about what you need. If you need quieter spaces, darker rooms, or more time alone, that’s perfectly okay.
3. Consider a Professional Autism Assessment: If you’re curious about whether you might be autistic, professional assessment can help provide you with clarity and understanding, and empower you to navigate life in a way that fits you best.
How I Can Help
As someone who specialises in autism assessment for women in midlife, I understand how important it is to feel comfortable, heard and understood during this process. That’s why I’ve created an assessment experience that puts your comfort first:
- Online consultations from the comfort of your own space
- No need for phone calls—book all your appointments directly online or via email
- I conduct a comprehensive assessment that considers your whole life experience
- After significant time working with women in this are I have a unique understanding of how autism presents in women
- Being in a similar life stage I understand how menopause affects so many aspects of our lives
Remember, seeking understanding isn’t about changing who you are…it’s about gaining insights that can help you move forward with greater self-awareness and confidence. Whether or not you decide to pursue assessment, your experiences are valid, and your journey of self-discovery is important.