About Us
Everybody working on the project is Autistic, although we do have some non-Autistic advisors.
Study Lead
Dr Aimee Grant
Find out more about Aimee…
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Aimee is a researcher with a PhD in social policy, examining welfare reform for Disabled people.
She has researched experiences of pregnancy and motherhood since 2012, and is particularly interested in the experiences of marginalised groups, like those on low incomes, those living in stigmatised locations and those with Disabilities.
Aimee is leading the Autism from Menstruation to Menopause project.
Aimee comes from a working class background, is multiply Disabled (she uses an electric wheelchair) as well as Autistic and Dyslexic. She has always been strongly committed to social justice issues.
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After her own negative experiences of being in hospital for treatment for an ectopic pregnancy, she decided to combine her interest in maternity with Autistic people’s experiences.
When she asked the Autistic community what they’d like from a research project on Autistic maternity experiences, they told her that other areas of reproductive health were important to them too, so the project has grown into covering a much larger period of reproductive health, which is exciting.
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Aimee was diagnosed aged around 37 following a significant period of Autistic burnout, that she’s still not recovered from four years later.
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She’s not sure; before becoming physically Disabled, running was definitely the thing that helped to re-regulate her, but she hasn’t found something to replace it yet.
She has a wide range of stim toys on her desk at all times.
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Trees, especially when their leaves start to turn red in the autumn.
The beach.
Dogs, especially snoring dogs.
Feeling understood and connected to people.
Researchers
We currently have four full-time academic researchers working on the project.
Dr Rebecca Ellis
Find out more about Becky…
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I am an autistic early career researcher based in South Wales. I completed my undergraduate (Psychology with Cognitive Neuroscience) and masters (Person-Centered Counselling) in Nottingham, before moving to Swansea for my PhD (Human and Health Sciences), looking at improving autism care pathways. I'm passionate about improving healthcare for the autistic and wider disabled communities, incorporating creative methodologies and co-productive practices. I've worked as a Research Assistant before at both the University of York and Swansea University. This is my first big project.
I think science communication is very important and I advocate for the neurodivergent community over my Instagram account (@Neuro_Divers).
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Gynaecological experiences of autistic individuals with wombs are so under-researched. I wanted to be part of research which can create meaningful change. I also wanted to work within a primarily neurodivergent, neurodiversity-affirming team which uses co-productive practices.
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I was 23 years old.
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There's no way of writing this that doesn't read as "I'm an arsonist" but nothing beats watching a fire.
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I love food, plants, drawing, jigsaws, audiobooks, blankets, board and video games, crime podcasts and foggy weather.
Dr Harriet Axbey
Find out more about Harriet…
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Harriet is a Research Assistant on the Autism from Menstruation to Menopause project.
Harriet trained as a Primary School teacher at Durham University, before deciding to go into researching neurodiverse interactions for her PhD.
She has always been interested in the health and wellbeing of young people. Before she started university, she helped trial and develop the C-Card scheme in London before it was rolled out across the UK, and this started her interest in making services accessible for all users.
She posts autism related content and pictures of her garden on her Twitter @axbey.
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Harriet is passionate about promoting accessible healthcare, especially in areas of sexual health and sexuality. The fact that it is autistic led is a huge draw for her, along with the chance to work with so many awesome autistic people.
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Harriet was diagnosed at 12 years old.
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Floating! Lying in a pool or ocean, lying on the water, staring at the sky, or with her eyes closed, taking in the sensation of the water hold her up.
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Rainbows when it is raining, drinking coffee in the garden with a good book, watching the waves in the sea, and dancing to Kirsty MacColl in the kitchen while making dinner.
Dr Krysia Waldock
Find out more about Krysia…
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Krysia (pronounced like Tricia but with a K) is an Autistic early career researcher based in Kent. She comes from an eclectic academic background, having originally trained as a linguist in German and French at the University of Kent. Krysia has also previously worked as an English language teacher in Berlin and as an administrator for the NHS.
Krysia completed my MA in Autism Studies, and then PhD at the University of Kent. My PhD explored Autistic people’s experiences of inclusion and belonging in summer 2024. Throughout her PhD she worked as a research assistant interviewing people (including Autistic people) on a variety of different projects, and taught on the former Philosophy, Religion and Ethics BA course at Kent.
Some of Krysia's writing can be found at linktr.ee/krysia.waldock .
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Krysia has a deep commitment to raising the experiences and voices of people who have either remained unheard, or have been silenced, within the projects she's worked on. Joining Autism: from menstruation to menopause was a ‘no brainer’ in this regard! Plus, Krysia enjoys qualitative and creative approaches to research.
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Good question… Krysia was first diagnosed when she was 3 in the mid-90s, then diagnosed again at 13 when her secondary school did not agree with the initial diagnosis! Krysia only started to understand what being Autistic meant at 24.
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Song of the moment on looped repeat!
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Krysia's cat Fudge – Krysia's pets have always been the focus of cuddles and Autistic joy. She is also a keen swimmer too.
Dr Ami Nisa
Find out more about Ami…
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Ami is an Autistic early career researcher based in the North-East of England.
She completed her MA in Sociology and Social Research at Newcastle University, followed by an interdisciplinary PhD in Sociology and Film at Northumbria University. Her thesis examined the social construction of technology and theorised non-human agency in horror cinema. Her research more broadly focuses on how marginalised groups can be othered and conceptualised as non-human.
Ami is interested in creative research methods, and participated in Professor Alison Peirse’s AHRC funded project
Doing Women's (Global) (Horror) Film History. Her first experimental video essay Splitting (2024) was published with MAI: Feminism and Visual Culture. The essay has also been screened as part of the Horror Film as Feminist Archive programming strand at the 2024 Final Girls Berlin Film Festival in Germany.
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From a personal perspective, Ami is passionate about the aims of the project. After being diagnosed autistic later in life and looking to academic literature for insight, she was struck by just how little research centres autistic voices, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. From a professional perspective, she is interested in gaining experience of working on a qualitative longitudinal study using creative methods.
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33 years old.
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Clicking a pen.
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Ami’s joy in life is film. She loves being at the cinema. She loves watching films shot on film. She likes watching the grain on the surface of the image. Films about the absurd and the mundane. Inexpressive characters. Close-up shots of food. 4:3 aspect ratio. She could go on forever! If you’re interested, you can check out what she has been watching over at letterboxd.
Community Council members
The Community Council shares power for decision making about the project with Aimee.
So far we have recruited 11 Autistic people, with a broad range of experience.
You can find out about some of the Council members below.
Kat Williams
Find out more about Kat…
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I am a non-executive director at Autistic UK CIC and an ESRC funded PhD student in the School of Social Sciences at Cardiff University researching the role of communication in access to healthcare for autistic adults. I have a MSc in social science research methods and in conjunction with my current PhD studies, I lead Autistic UK’s research involvement. Through this, I have worked on several projects with Dr Aimee Grant, including a systematic review of autistic mothers’ experiences of infant feeding.
Before joining Autistic UK, I had a voluntary advocacy role, supporting autistic people and their parents in meetings regarding education supports and disability benefits. I first worked with Autistic UK for their Going Gold event in the Senedd in 2019 where I delivered a talk regarding supporting autistic pupils in education. My role within Autistic UK developed from a focus on education, particularly the possible link between trauma and non-attendance, to health disparities faced by autistic people and barriers autistic people face when accessing healthcare.
I am also on the steering group for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board implementation for the Code of Practice on the Delivery of Autism Services and an active member of the Maternity and Autism Research Group.
My work has seen me win the Understanding Disability Award in 2018 and I was included on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List in 2021.
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I broadly have an interest in matters relating to autistic adults’ health and healthcare, but my interest in this project is more personal.
I didn’t know I was autistic when I was pregnant and gave birth to my two children, but I did know that my experiences were unfamiliar to other mums I spoke to until I became more acquainted with the autistic community. Society moralises particular performances of mothering and motherhood, which begin during pregnancy. As someone who ‘failed’ to meet these expectations regularly: I hated being pregnant, I recoiled at the physical attention it drew from strangers, and (in hindsight) it dialled all of my sensory sensitivities up to 1000. I didn’t ‘mother’ my babies in expected ways either, and this all led to me feeling like I was doing it wrong; that I was a ‘bad mother’.
Going back further, when I was an undiagnosed autistic and ADHD teenager, menstruation was almost impossible to deal with. I would be surprised every month when my period arrived again, despite academically knowing that it was a monthly thing. Rather than being supported, when I had to make the embarrassing trip to the school office for sanitary products (again), I was made to feel like I was either wilfully forgetting them, or that my forgetfulness was a moral failing.
I am sure I am not the only one with these experiences, but there are few conversations about autistic people’s reproductive health. If we are to address autistic people’s health disparities, it is crucial that reproductive health from menstruation to menopause is researched. I feel honoured to be part of the team that’s doing it.
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I was 32, and I was diagnosed a few years after my eldest son. I was also diagnosed as ADHD within the 12-month period before my autism diagnosis (but I can’t remember if I was 31 or 32).
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I am going to break this rule because I have two that I love equally. First, tapping each fingertip to the tip of my thumb in order while ‘playing’ arpeggios in my head. Second, stroking anything soft and fluffy. Preferably a cat or dog, but my dressing gown will do.
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Running on trails brings me great joy. It is my ‘balancing act’ joy, as it can exacerbate my physical health conditions, but it is vital for my mental wellbeing. Re-watching Grey’s Anatomy (though I get cross at certain posters in the background, and at the episodes with Dr Dixon – if you know you know). Listening to my favourite songs from start to finish uninterrupted.
Willow Holloway
Find out more about Willow…
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Willow is a late-diagnosed autistic/disabled woman, the parent and grandparent of a neurodivergent family. She has previously worked with autistic people in residential care and supported living. Willow has used her lived experience following her own diagnosis to increase understanding of autistic people's lives.
She founded The Autistic Women’s Empowerment Project in 2014 as an awareness-raising project. Since then, Willow's personal roles and the AWE Project have evolved beyond recognition and Willow has gone on to campaign for recognition, acceptance, and equality for autistic people across Wales. Willow has undertaken peer support and mentoring training to support her roles.
She is the Executive Chair of Autistic UK and is a director of several equality organisations in Wales including being Chair of Disability Wales and a trustee of Fair Treatment for the Women of Wales.
She has delivered consultation events and training and has extensive knowledge of autism and disability from both a professional and personal perspective, facilitating interactive sessions which offer an informed insider perspective on autism.
She also works at a strategic and policy level and is a member of The Ministerial Advisory Group on Neurodivergence and The Disability Rights Taskforce, as well as co-chairing the North Wales Integrated Autism Service Strategy Board.
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A large part of the work Willow is involved in is focused around the health and wellbeing of autistic girls and women, and she has listened to the experiences of autistic women across the life span, which has given her a broad knowledge of the health inequalities they face. Willow wants to see an increase in the understanding of women’s health and wellbeing and feels that this study will gather the evidence needed and begin the break down the barriers that autistic women face daily.
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Willow was diagnosed as autistic at the age of 44 though she had known for many years beforehand. She initially received a private diagnosis and three years later had her diagnosis confirmed by an NHS specialist. She is currently waiting for an ADHD assessment .
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My body’s favourite stim is “the tapping foot” which I have no control over . It happens a lot when I am anxious or tired.
My absolutely favourite stim is my flappy hands because if I am flapping, I am happy or excited.
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Autistic joy for me is getting deeply into my genealogy studies whilst watching historical documentaries, with a cat on my lap and my dog curled up at my feet .
Selena Caemawr
Find out more about Selena…
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Selena is the founder of Aubergine café, a non-profit organisation in Cardiff run entirely by neurodivergent people. They also have a background in theatre, including as a director, producer and actor. You can find out more about Selena’s story here.
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Selena has a passion for research and considers themselves a lifelong learner. They learnt a lot during their four years at university, but their experience left them unwell and unable to complete their degree. This study is a way for Selena to get involved in academia and research, in a way that’s accessible for them. They are particularly interested in finding out more about the experiences of neurodivergent people who are not usually included in research; those who slip through the net or whose experiences are outside of the typical range.
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They were diagnosed as Autistic at the age of 34 (in 2016).
Selena was also diagnosed as ADHD at 38, and has recently come to realise that they’re most likely Dyslexic too.
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Selena hasn’t felt the need to stim in a while, but when they do stim, they enjoy holding a small soft toy or folded bandana in their fist and twisting their wrist back and forth rhythmically so the object flaps against their hands.
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Lush green mossy forests, even just thinking about dewy moss makes Selena happy.
Having the sun on their face.
Knowing what to expect.
Watching others grow and succeed.
Monique Craine
Find out more about Monique…
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Monique is multiply neurodivergent as is their entire family. They are an active member in a lot of online neurodivergent communities. Monique also runs a business, Neurodivergent Matters, where they deliver training to industries and organisations to make them more neurodiversity friendly. Monique also runs sessions for neurodivergent groups using coaching skills and strategies to help them reach their potential. In 2022, Monique’s business won the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist Business of the Year from Wales Online. In 2015, Monique was shortlisted for The National Diversity Awards as a positive role model for Disability. Through their work, they do a lot of co-production on research studies with universities up and down the country.
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We desperately need people to look into issues affecting Autistic women and people with wombs, as little has been done in this area before.
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Monique was diagnosed in their mid forties, around the age of 45, after one of their children had been put on the diagnostic pathway.
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Singing, dancing and playing the guitar.
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My children getting along. Binge watching Buffy. Playing sudoku. And singing, dancing and playing guitar.
Abigail Wilkins
Find out more about Abigail…
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I was diagnosed just after I finished Uni. My academic career was a shambles due to lack of support. I now spend my time running the UK’s first and only podcast in the U.K. run by women covering women in shooting and fishing sports.
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because of my late diagnosis compared to men, I feel as though any study centred towards any group other than cisgender men is inherently helpful in early diagnosis and ongoing support for autistic individuals.
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21 years old
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pinching my thumb on my left hand between my index and middle finger- also, T-Rex hands!
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the outdoors and wildlife. I am consistently amazed by the life and landscapes that surround us and how lucky we are to live on a planet with such incredible beauty and diversity
Kay Ribbons-Steen
Find out more about Kay…
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Kay’s background is in environmental conservation, which she’s worked in the area for over 10 years. Kay works freelance within the eco-therapy sector. Her passions are nature, being in the outdoors, and her cat. Kay lives with her wife and daughter in North Wales.
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Kay is a person diagnosed with Autism who has periods, since she was 9. Kay’s periods have been problematic, so she wanted to help with research, and help explore potential difficulties and experiences that other people with Autism who have periods are having. Kay is also interested in interactions with healthcare services connected with menstruation, including contraception, sexual health and pain. Kay would like teaching about periods and sexual health to be taught in a more neurodiversity friendly way.
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Kay was diagnosed aged 21, 17 years ago.
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Kay has a fidget cube that she likes to switch on and off and fidget with. It really helps when Kay is stressed. Kay has other fidget toys, including some that she created herself, including curly hairbands (shaped like an old fashioned telephone cord), and some necklaces with different bits to fiddle with.
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Kay’s wife and daughter make her really happy. Being in nature. Nature is like Kay’s church. My cat, Talulah. Being able to be her authentic self. Being able to be creative, like cutting and pasting ideas and going with what feels good.
Helen
Find out more about Helen…
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Helen had a rocky start, permanently excluded at 6 years but managed to show her true abilities in a school much better placed for her needs, eventually going to uni and got a degree in a scientific field. Whilst being partially verbal didn't stop Helen, and currently living alone in a flat, Helen has been unemployed all her life due to disability. Helen has been through a lot of severe mental health issues too along with numerous childhood adversities. However, life is much better now.
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Helen was given the info by someone she knew and was interested because she has horrendous periods and extreme difficulty with gynaecological examinations and procedures to the point that Helen has refused all her smear tests. Helen wanted to contribute her bad experiences in hope that they will help shape research. Helen also feels that being partially speaking would be a useful contribution to the council. Helen thinks having a significant variety in the members of the council is important.
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Helen was diagnosed at age 4.
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Rubbing my fingers on my lips, or a weird finger fidget motion that I can't quite describe.
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Science, being left to her own devices, and her computer.
Ellen Firth
Find out more about Ellen…
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I’m 21 years old, and I didn’t grow up in the UK, I lived in Germany until I was 10. I run a farm and grow flowers. I’m also a florist (you can find me on insta and facebook @FirthFlockFlowers)
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I’d been involved in Autism research before; one of the previous studies I’ve been involved in was on neurodivergence and farming. I think this is a really important topic.
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13
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Chewing gum helps me to think.
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When my sheep are happy and they’re all skipping and the sun is shining it’s lovely. And when the flower field is in full bloom it’s lovely.
Madeleine Sinfield
Find out more about Madeleine…
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I’m Madeleine, I’m 18 years old and I am a sixth form student studying Psychology, Sociology and English Literature and Language. I grew up in a Welsh school doing various sports like athletics and gymnastics. I was a confident, bright and curious child who very much wanted to fit in.
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My mum found the study shortly after I was diagnosed and sent it to me to see if I’d be interested. I’d never seen a group of autistic women before so I was really interested to see what it was like. The acceptance of autistic behaviours is my favourite part of the study as I’ve always felt kind of naughty.
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I was diagnosed at 16 years old in my last year of my GCSEs. My diagnosis saved me and allowed me to sit all my exams.
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I am always rubbing my hair over my face and my mouth. I’ve done this since I was young except back then I used to pull it out!
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I love my dog, Immy, she’s a brindle english bull terrier. I love Harry Potter and any dystopian fiction. Playing Minecraft or Lego makes me happy. I also love the gym.
Hazel
Find out more about Hazel…
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I am a Chinese heritage autistic woman, born and raised in culturally diverse Malaysia, and I have lived in the UK for over half of my life. Autism was not talked about when I was growing up, and I only began reflecting on neurodivergence later in life, particularly after noticing my son’s differences. My lived experience spans reproductive health across the lifespan, including adolescence, pregnancy, childbirth, and early perimenopause.
Professionally and personally, I’m interested in how culture and neurodiversity shape self-understanding, especially in areas that are often hidden or taboo. I’m particularly drawn to how different cultural messages influence how we talk — or don’t talk — about bodies, bleeding, and change across the lifespan. I founded Chinese Autism to help create culturally sensitive conversations around autism and identity, and I bring this perspective into community work, writing, and advocacy. I believe that more diverse voices help make conversations about autism and reproductive health more inclusive, accurate, and meaningful.
You can find more about my work on LinkedIn.
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Many aspects of reproductive health — from periods to perimenopause — felt culturally silent throughout my life. As a late-discovered neurodivergent, I went through these experiences without language, support, or shared understanding, which made it harder to understand my body and needs. I wanted to be part of a project that centres lived experience, highlights cultural diversity, and creates space for stories that are often overlooked in autism research. I’m also interested in learning more about myself and my body, and in seeing women’s experiences valued and given meaning rather than judged.
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I was diagnosed as autistic in my 40s, with ADHD identified slightly earlier. My curiosity about autism began when the term “Asperger’s” entered my life after I noticed my son was different. At the time, the information and support available felt limited, which led me to research independently and eventually complete a Master’s degree in Autism Studies. During my first term, I realised I was likely ADHD.
By the time I received my autism diagnosis, I was already established professionally in the field, but understanding myself took much longer. There were many personal layers to unpick, and the busyness of everyday life rarely gave me the time or space to fully reflect. It was only later — during the quieter periods of the COVID lockdowns — that I was able to look back on my life more deeply and recognise how autism had shaped my experiences. I now proudly identify as an AuDHDer
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Being alone and having freedom of space helps me self-soothe and focus when my nervous system feels overwhelmed. This often surprises people, as I’m usually seen as loud and cheerful.
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My autistic joy isn’t always present — it appears when conditions are right. It is often quiet and internal, expressed through precision, creativity, and deep focus rather than outward display. Because my engagement is selective, joy can be rare but intense. I especially enjoy creative initiatives, idea-making, and moments when things feel accurately precise and aligned.
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I believe autistic people’s voices — especially those from non-Western cultures — are essential in shaping research and understanding of reproductive health. While our cultural backgrounds may differ, I’ve found that when people connect genuinely, those barriers often fall away. Our shared humanity becomes more visible than our differences.