Menopause and Neurodivergence - Event success!

Dec 20

Thank you to everyone that attended our meet-up! An amazing conversation, and we’re blown away by everyone’s willingness to share their experiences, insights and helpful resources! We are privileged to have connected with you all!

It was clear that there were 2 types of attendees on Sunday. Those of us in need of peer support conversation, maybe even the first time speaking to someone else or disclosing an ND status, and those more experienced and knowledgeable, some with clear expertise from having researched this field. Both types were wholly welcomed at the event, knowing that learning and peer support and any form of mentoring is a two way process, we’re pretty sure that noone left the Zoom room withouth having learnt something new, or withfood for thought!

For future events we will consider how to best harness this expertise and experience for the benefit of ‘beginners’ on the calls to make the most of the opportunity to empower those that need it.

Prominent issues

For those arriving at a late diagnosis for ADHD or Autism;

identification of neurodivergence in amongst the collision of menopause experiences (which affects which?)
length of time to diagnosis
lack of post-diagnosis follow up support, counselling
once the ‘mask has slipped’ no longer being able to perform at work, or keep trying to perform
needing guidance on new employment pathways, identifying new strengths to pursue, rebuilding confidence

Those with both late diagnosis and those with existing diagnosis are eqully impacted by a lack of specific, accessible, relatable resources or reference to ND and menopause in mainstream resources

Feedback received indicates that the session was worthwhile for attendees so YES, we will be doing this again!

‘Thank you so much for hosting the Menopause/Autism conversation today. Meeting everyone and hearing their experience helped alleviate the isolation I've felt for so long. Even hearing other women's communication styles helped, as I personally struggle with pulling my ideas together into words. It felt good to be amongst others who understand and are more forgiving of shortcomings. For these reasons alone, getting oneself identified as neurodivergent and then having access to meetups like this one has benefits. And if I recall, this was one of the questions you introduced early on the call.’

‘ Finding you and attending the event today has been amazing. Feels like its been so much more helpful than autism or ND sessions I've attended, beginning to realise that the dynamic between being autistic and menopausal is key’

‘It's been so empowering to speak with other ND women about menopause, feels like there is so much more we could discuss and help each other (and beyond) to change the narrative and help future generations.’

Details of the next event will be on our website / linkedin and twitter pages so please keep your eyes out and also of course it will be published on Eventbrite so follow us there for notifications.

We’re also keen to hear from subject matter experts in this field that would be interested to join us on a call to share expertise. Drop us a line at info@menopausecollective.org.

We look forward to seeing you again and wish you a peaceful few weeks until then.
Becky, Helen, Ruth, Sarah

Article contributions Ruth Arrowsmith, Sarah Williams