Emma Fraser talks about menopause and the struggle to access care

Women with autism and learning disabilities in the UK are struggling to access menopause support, often facing more severe symptoms or earlier onset than the general population. Research from the University of Sunderland reveals a significant gap in resources for healthcare professionals regarding these women’s unique needs.

Dimensions council member Emma Fraser, a 43-year-old with cerebral palsy, bravely shared her experience of navigating perimenopause in this article from i News and underscored the importance of communication when dealing with symptoms.

Dimensions Health and Wellbeing Lead Dr Megan Bowes, emphasised that barriers to healthcare support can leave many women unaware of their menopause symptoms and highlighted that women who communicate differently might exhibit anxiety or distress, leading caregivers to misinterpret their needs. This could result in inappropriate treatments and a failure to identify menopause as a potential issue.

Dimensions has worked to improve this situation by providing accessible resources, facilitating support during appointments, and advocating for longer consultation times. Increasing awareness and understanding of menopause among health professionals is crucial, particularly for those working with individuals who may struggle to communicate their symptoms effectively.