The neurodivergent perinatal experience — A systematic literature review on autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

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Elliott, J. K., Buchanan, K., & Bayes, S. (2024). The neurodivergent perinatal experience — A systematic literature review on autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Women and Birth, 37(6), 101825. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101825

Publication date: 2 Oct 2024 Added to AutiHub: 7 Aug 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 3 (33.3%)
  1. Jata K. Elliott *
  2. Kate Buchanan
  3. Sara Bayes

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Neurodivergent individuals often face unique challenges during the perinatal period, which can significantly impact their experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting. Despite growing awareness of neurodiversity, there remains a gap in perinatal care that fully addresses the lived experiences and needs of those with neurodivergent conditions such as Autism (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). OBJECTIVE: To compile and analyse recent literature on the perinatal experiences of neurodivergent parturients. To provide an overview of current knowledge, identify prevalent challenges, and suggest opportunities for improving perinatal services. Additionally, we aim to highlight research gaps that guide future studies and enhance care quality for neurodivergent individuals during the perinatal period. METHODS: The Systematic Reviews methodological process was utilised to search relevant scientific databases to gather current research articles on neurodivergent perinatal experiences. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and were appraised using a rigorous quality checklist. Thematic analysis identified recurring themes across the selected papers. RESULTS: Three major themes emerged: Care provider support, Perinatal mental health needs, and Resilience and growth of neurodivergent parturients. These themes highlight significant differences in perinatal experiences between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, underscoring the need for tailored care approaches. CONCLUSION: The findings reveal that current perinatal care practices do not adequately address the specific challenges faced by perinatal neurodivergent individuals. There is a critical need for perinatal care systems to integrate neurodiversity-affirming practices. Future research should consider intersectionality to include marginalised and underrepresented neurodivergent voices.

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These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
45
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
4 / 45 (8.9%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
10 / 252 (4.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 10 / 43 (23.3%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 9 / 237 (3.8%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
43 / 252 (17.1%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 31 / 237 (13.1%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
33 / 43 (76.7%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 33 / 252 (13.1%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 22 / 31 (71.0%).
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