Autism Spectrum Disorder in Menopausal / perimenopausal women

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? NE
Is it more common among menopausal / perimenopausal women? Existing autism may interact strongly with hormonal/sensory/sleep changes
Are menopausal / perimenopausal women at higher risk? No increased prevalence established
How much higher is the risk? NE
How often can it be missed? Very high
Does it show up differently among menopausal / perimenopausal women? Yes / emerging evidence
How might it look different? Sensory, sleep, cognitive and emotional changes may increase previously manageable difficulties
What commonly occurs alongside it? ADHD; anxiety; depression; sleep problems
What can it be confused with? ADHD; menopause-related cognitive symptoms; anxiety; depression
Common screening tool AQ-10
Separate screening tool for menopausal / perimenopausal women None
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