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Supporting Autistic People Through Pregnancy and Childbirth
This comprehensive and accessible guide is for every birthing and health professional looking to improve their care during pregnancy, birth, and aftercare for autistic women. With a distinct lack of scientifically approached work in this area, this much-needed book takes an intersectional, feminist approach and covers the background of modern birth practices and autism as a diagnosis.
With intersectionality as a core feature, the impact of cultural differences, underdiagnoses, stigma, and stereotypes amongst ethnic minorities is also included. It discusses how pain functions in the autistic brain as well as co-occurring conditions such as alexithymia, chronic pain, epilepsy, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
This multidisciplinary author team includes two well-established autism experts, and an experienced midwife and lecturer who provides invaluable birthing insight, as well as approaches for sensation management during birth, insider knowledge on midwifery protocols, and accessible tools for autistic pregnant people and families to use.
With intersectionality as a core feature, the impact of cultural differences, underdiagnoses, stigma, and stereotypes amongst ethnic minorities is also included. It discusses how pain functions in the autistic brain as well as co-occurring conditions such as alexithymia, chronic pain, epilepsy, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
This multidisciplinary author team includes two well-established autism experts, and an experienced midwife and lecturer who provides invaluable birthing insight, as well as approaches for sensation management during birth, insider knowledge on midwifery protocols, and accessible tools for autistic pregnant people and families to use.
- GenresParenting
304 pages, Paperback
Published January 18, 2024
2 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Hayley Morgan
17 books28 followersHayley Morgan is a writer, speaker, and entrepreneur who inspires women to create lives of more passion and less fuss. She and her husband started Wildly Co., an ethical children’s clothing line, and she is also the cofounder of the Influence Conference and Network. Hayley lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, with her husband and their four sons. She blogs at www.HayleyEMorgan.com.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
December 13, 2023
"Supporting Autistic People Through Pregnancy and Childbirth," by Hayley Morgan, Emma Durman, and Karen Henry, is as a groundbreaking resource that not only fills a significant gap in literature but also serves as a practical framework for healthcare workers supporting autistic populations. As a therapist specializing in bibliotherapy, particularly with neurodivergent clients, I am immensely impressed with the authors' dedication to promoting equality of access to healthcare for autistic parents.
The uniqueness of this book lies in its authorship, with Hayley Morgan, an autistic mother and healthcare advocate, leading the way. Her personal experiences, coupled with academic insights, contribute to a rich and authentic narrative that extends beyond the theoretical to provide a comprehensive guide for both professionals and those on the autism spectrum.
Emma Durman, a late-diagnosed autistic woman and co-director of Autside Education and Training, brings a wealth of wisdom to the book, drawing on her own experiences and expertise in training families and professionals serving autistic clients. Her dissertation on the autistic birth experience adds depth to the discussion, making the book a valuable resource for understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Karen Henry brings her expertise as a midwife, academic, and autistic mother to five children (two of whom are autistic as well) to the book. She notes that while training to be a midwife she noticed how many autistic women were uncomfortable during their hospital stays and unsupported by hospital staff who did not respect their unique needs as mothers requiring a specific level of care.
One of the strengths of this resource is its accessibility. The authors do an excellent job of introducing readers to the diverse characteristics, needs, and struggles of individuals on the autism spectrum. Even for those without prior knowledge, the book provides a thorough understanding through case examples, making it an invaluable tool for healthcare workers, therapists, and anyone involved in supporting autistic individuals on their parenting journey.
The book addresses the specific challenges that autistic women face during motherhood, considering sensory and social differences. The authors skillfully navigate the spectrum of sensitivities, acknowledging both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in different areas, fostering a deep understanding among readers.
The inclusion of an in-depth history of autism at the beginning of the book is a commendable aspect. This historical context helps readers, regardless of their expertise, to grasp the multifaceted nature of autism and how it manifests differently in women compared to men.
"Supporting Autistic People Through Pregnancy and Childbirth" is a much needed contribution to the literature on autism and healthcare. Hayley Morgan, Emma Durman, and Karen Henry have created a resource that not only educates but also empowers readers to navigate the complexities of supporting autistic individuals in the critical phases of pregnancy and childbirth. This book is not only helpful for healthcare workers but also an invaluable guide for autistic women and their families providing the language needed to navigate the motherhood journey from conception to birth and long thereafter. Thank you to the authors and publisher for the e-arc copy!
The uniqueness of this book lies in its authorship, with Hayley Morgan, an autistic mother and healthcare advocate, leading the way. Her personal experiences, coupled with academic insights, contribute to a rich and authentic narrative that extends beyond the theoretical to provide a comprehensive guide for both professionals and those on the autism spectrum.
Emma Durman, a late-diagnosed autistic woman and co-director of Autside Education and Training, brings a wealth of wisdom to the book, drawing on her own experiences and expertise in training families and professionals serving autistic clients. Her dissertation on the autistic birth experience adds depth to the discussion, making the book a valuable resource for understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by autistic women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Karen Henry brings her expertise as a midwife, academic, and autistic mother to five children (two of whom are autistic as well) to the book. She notes that while training to be a midwife she noticed how many autistic women were uncomfortable during their hospital stays and unsupported by hospital staff who did not respect their unique needs as mothers requiring a specific level of care.
One of the strengths of this resource is its accessibility. The authors do an excellent job of introducing readers to the diverse characteristics, needs, and struggles of individuals on the autism spectrum. Even for those without prior knowledge, the book provides a thorough understanding through case examples, making it an invaluable tool for healthcare workers, therapists, and anyone involved in supporting autistic individuals on their parenting journey.
The book addresses the specific challenges that autistic women face during motherhood, considering sensory and social differences. The authors skillfully navigate the spectrum of sensitivities, acknowledging both hypersensitivity and hyposensitivity in different areas, fostering a deep understanding among readers.
The inclusion of an in-depth history of autism at the beginning of the book is a commendable aspect. This historical context helps readers, regardless of their expertise, to grasp the multifaceted nature of autism and how it manifests differently in women compared to men.
"Supporting Autistic People Through Pregnancy and Childbirth" is a much needed contribution to the literature on autism and healthcare. Hayley Morgan, Emma Durman, and Karen Henry have created a resource that not only educates but also empowers readers to navigate the complexities of supporting autistic individuals in the critical phases of pregnancy and childbirth. This book is not only helpful for healthcare workers but also an invaluable guide for autistic women and their families providing the language needed to navigate the motherhood journey from conception to birth and long thereafter. Thank you to the authors and publisher for the e-arc copy!
January 26, 2025
I LOVED this book! It is exactly what I have been looking for, I have never highlighted as much as I did with this book!
I will be reading this again and again.
I will be reading this again and again.
December 27, 2024
Not for the average reader, this incredibly informative text is essential reading for OB-GYN's and PCP's as they are most likely to interact with autistic women who may be pregnant. The authors do a fantastic job of explaining the different profiles, terms, and "flavors" of autism.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews