Sara King

Research Topic

What do maternity services do now to support autistic women and birthing people as service users; what do they need to do to improve?

Sara King

Research Summary

This study aims to understand autistic women and birthing people’s experiences of maternity services and find ways that they could be improved.  It also explores the experiences and understanding maternity services staff have about autism.

Birth experiences can affect the autistic woman or birthing person and their child in terms of their physical and mental health. These experiences, whether good or bad, may shape the parenting relationship, affect confidence and general wellbeing.  It's important that we give autistic people the best support possible.  

The research will involve autistic mothers and birthing people from across England and maternity services staff.

Research Status

Fourth year, part time

Research Interests

  • Parenting as an autistic adult
  • Autistic adults’ experiences of maternity services

Research Supervisors

Dr Andrea MacLeod and Dr Caroline Richards

Funding

Part-funded by Charles Sharland Autistica Grant Scheme Award, part self-funded

Qualifications

PGDip in Autism (Adults), MCIPS