| Title: |
Understanding Autistic Youths' Menstrual Product Preferences and Caregivers' Product Choices |
| Language: |
English |
| Authors: |
Keely M. Lundy (ORCID 0000-0002-1935-1893); Aaron J. Fischer; Chathuri R. Illapperuma-Wood; Brandon Schultz |
| Source: |
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(2):447-461. |
| Availability: |
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: |
Y |
| Page Count: |
15 |
| Publication Date: |
2025 |
| Document Type: |
Journal Articles; Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: |
Autism Spectrum Disorders; Females; Physiology; Preferences; Caregivers; Decision Making; Hygiene; Purchasing; Parents; Children; Adolescents; Sensory Experience; Conservation (Environment) |
| DOI: |
10.1177/13623613241275280 |
| ISSN: |
1362-3613; 1461-7005 |
| 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. |
| Abstractor: |
As Provided |
| Notes: |
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/RBY3J |
| Entry Date: |
2025 |
| Accession Number: |
EJ1465554 |
| Database: |
ERIC |