Date Published: October 22, 2024

This is a SPARK Research Match Summary Report. It describes results from newly published research using data from SPARK participants.

Study title

Understanding Autistic Youths’ Menstrual Product Preferences and Caregivers’ Product Choices

What was the study about?

Researchers surveyed autistic youth and their parents about the menstrual products they choose and prefer to use.

How was the research done?

Researchers sent five types of menstrual products to 99 autistic youth, who were ages 10 to 17, to try for a few months. They asked the youth which ones they liked best. The youth also received “The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods” by Robyn Steward. Their parents, most of whom were SPARK participants, answered questions about the menstrual products they bought their children and why they chose them. One percent of the parents, and 14 percent of the youth, identified as non-binary, and the rest identified as women and girls. The youth managed their periods by themselves or with minimal reminders and help. Many of the youth also had ADHD or anxiety disorder, and 4 percent had intellectual disability.

What did the researchers learn?

• The youth preferred period underwear, followed by disposable and reusable pads. They liked tampons and menstrual cups the least.¹
• Only 17 percent of the youth tried all five products. The most common reason for not trying a product, primarily tampons and cups, was a fear that it would become stuck in their bodies. Other reasons included “afraid using incorrectly,” “uncomfortable or caused pain,” and “product had too many steps.”
• Most parents chose products based on their children’s needs, particularly sensory sensitivities. They also considered their children’s motor coordination when selecting a product.
• Parents rated the following product features as most important: sensory impact (24 percent), whether it is placed inside or outside the body (18 percent), how often it must be replaced (15 percent), care and cleaning of reusable products (14 percent), number of steps to apply product (11 percent), physical coordination needed to apply product (9 percent), environmental impact of the product (5 percent), and cost (5 percent).

What was new and innovative about the study?

Previous studies have focused on the experience of menstruation in autistic adults. This is one of the first studies to explore menstrual product preferences of children and teenagers, and how their parents selected products for them.

What do the findings mean?

Parents and autistic youth may want to consider period underwear, as well as disposable and reusable pads, because these were rated highest by youth in this study. Companies that make tampons and pads may wish to do more to dispel young people’s fears that their products will become stuck in the body.

What are people saying?

Study participants:

• “Love this study! Very easy to participate. My daughter was able to explore new products in a way that felt comfortable to her! This is the first time she was open to using something different than what she was used to.”
• “I thought this study was a great way to introduce different options and educate my child (and myself) on those options for more comfortable menstruation products and experiences. I especially like the book included because it was informative and educational. Women’s products have come a long way and it’s nice to see our needs coming out of the shadows. Keep up the great work!”
• “Well organized. Easy to be a part of.”

Study researcher Keely M. Lundy, Ph.D.

“Caregivers ask, ‘What do I need to know now that my child is getting to the age of puberty? How should I be preparing them and what should I get them?’ I think this study has information that is helpful.”

What’s next?

Future studies could investigate what about these products may cause sensory or other issues for autistic youth, and how that could be addressed, Lundy says. Also, a study could examine whether other conditions that affect many autistic youth, such as ADHD, play a role in their experiences of menstruation.

References

1. Lundy K.M. et al. Autism Epub ahead of print (2024) PubMed

About SPARK Research Match

This SPARK Program matches participants with research studies that they may want to join. These studies have been evaluated for scientific merit and approved by a scientific committee at SPARK. The program is free to researchers and participants. SPARK does not endorse or conduct these studies. Participants choose if they want to take part in a particular study.