Understanding autistic youths’ menstrual product preferences and caregivers’ product choices

Abstract

A growing body of evidence supports the applicability of reusable menstrual products for non-autistic menstruators; however, only a few studies have investigated menstrual product preferences for young autistic persons with a uterus. With recent research indicating greater menstrual challenges for autistic menstruators, this study aimed to (1) assess the impact of product features on caregivers’ decisions when purchasing menstrual products for their autistic children and (2) discern which menstrual product(s) young autistic menstruators prefer. The authors used a cross-sectional design, developed two MaxDiff surveys, recruited 99 caregiver and youth dyads, and analyzed survey results using hierarchical Bayesian estimation and latent class analysis. Caregivers chose sensory impact as most important when selecting a product for their autistic child, and youth preferred period underwear. Autistic youth and caregivers may consider study results when managing or preparing for menses to reduce anxiety and unnecessary costs. Clinical service providers and companies may utilize this information to better support menstruators’ comfort and confidence with their menstrual care. Lay abstract There is little research exploring the menstrual product preferences of autistic youth, especially those who recently started their period. Study authors surveyed caregivers’ choice of menstrual products for their autistic children. They provided popular menstrual materials to autistic youth to try, then asked them which product(s) they preferred, did not try, and why they did not try it. Caregivers selected sensory impact as the most important feature they consider when choosing a menstrual product for their child, and youth participants preferred to use period underwear. Therefore, autistic youth may benefit from purchasing and using period underwear, and caregivers, clinicians, and companies should consider the impact of menstrual product features, like sensory sensitivities, on young autistic menstruators and how best to support them.