03 Jul New Online Hub Supports Autistic Parents Through Pregnancy and Early Parenthood
Evidence-based resource shares real stories and expert strategies
A must-have tool for both parents and healthcare professionals
Autistic parents-to-be now have a dedicated place to turn for support, thanks to a new digital resource launched by Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect).
The Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub is the first of its kind in Australia, offering evidence-informed information, real-life experiences, and sensory-friendly strategies to support Autistic people through pregnancy, birth and early parenting.
Co-designed by Autistic and non-Autistic researchers, healthcare professionals and parents, the hub was created by Aspect’s research arm – the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) – over 16 months. It fills a critical gap in maternal care, where many Autistic people report feeling overwhelmed, misunderstood or even traumatised.
“Too often, Autistic voices are missing from maternity care,” said Dr Abbey Love, Research Fellow at ARCAP. “This hub puts those voices at the centre. It’s a resource for validation, support and learning — for both Autistic parents and the professionals who care for them.”
Research shows Autistic people are more likely to experience perinatal anxiety and depression, face higher risks during birth, and struggle with postnatal care. Communication difficulties and sensory overload often make standard maternity care challenging — if not unsafe.
Autistic parent and project contributor Kim Gerlach said she felt like she was “speaking a different language” during medical appointments. “The lights, the sounds — it was all overwhelming. Knowing there’s now a resource to support others like me means the world.”
The hub includes:
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Personal stories from Autistic parents
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Strategies for navigating medical appointments
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Sensory-friendly birth and parenting tips
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Training tools for clinicians and midwives
Healthcare professionals are embracing the resource as a practical way to improve care. Dr Charlie Benzie, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery at La Trobe University, said it helps clinicians deliver more “respectful, empowering and effective” care.
Funded by the Victorian State Government’s Diverse Communities, Mental Health and Wellbeing Grant, the hub is designed to evolve over time and welcomes community feedback.
Explore the Aspect Autistic Pregnancy and Parenthood Hub at www.aspect.org.au/resources/new-parents
