BACKGROUND:
Autistic childbearing people are more likely to experience antenatal and postnatal depression, have higher rates of pregnancy complications, and report sensory overwhelm, dissatisfying communication and lack of knowledge about autism from maternity care providers.

OBJECTIVES:
The aim of this study was to improve the quality of maternal healthcare for autistic childbearing people by understanding their experiences and care needs during pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting; and to inform the development of educational resources for midwives and other maternity care practitioners.

METHODS:
A Participatory Health Research approach, emphasising partnership, equity and social justice, underpinned the study. Data were collected by conducting in-depth interviews and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. This research project was funded by the University of Technology Sydney, and received ethics approval from the University of Technology Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee.

RESULTS:
Two key themes were developed, each with two subthemes: 1. What you need to know about us – with subthemes What it feels like and How we relate; and 2. What we need from you – with subthemes How we feel supported, and Finding our way.

CONCLUSIONS:
There is currently little research and specific guidance available for midwives and other maternity care practitioners on how to support autistic people during pregnancy and birth. Our findings provide critical knowledge about the experiences and essential care needs of this community.

KEY MESSAGE:
The development of educational resources for maternity care providers could have a long-term positive impact on the health of autistic childbearing people, by being integrated into healthcare practices and policy. The findings also have the potential to be adapted across contexts, to promote equitable access to quality maternity healthcare for autistic people worldwide. Poster session 2 (Group A)