Menstrual Care Experiences and Support Needs of Girls and Women with Neurodevelopmental Characteristics in Japan: A Caregiver- and Supporter-Reported Exploratory Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Menstrual care is an important daily living skill related to privacy, dignity, school participation, and inclusive support. Girls and women with neurodevelopmental characteristics may experience additional challenges related to cognitive understanding, communication, sensory sensitivity, motor skills, and dependence on caregivers or educational staff.

Aim: This study described menstrual care experiences and support needs among girls and women with neurodevelopmental characteristics in Japan.

Methods: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in collaboration with a community-based parent and supporter group as part of a local government–commissioned community project in Japan. Of 50 responses, 48 were analyzed because the girls or women had experienced menarche. Descriptive statistics, selected exploratory group comparisons using Fisher’s exact tests, and inductive content analysis of open-ended responses were used.

Results: Disposable pads were the dominant menstrual product, used as the main product by 43 respondents (89.6%). The most common practical difficulties were determining the timing of product changes (52.1%), handling menstrual products (43.8%), and changing products outside the home or school (27.1%). Daily-life difficulties included indifference to menstrual blood (39.6%), irritability affecting usual activities (31.3%), and fatigue affecting usual activities (16.7%). Open-ended responses showed individualized strategies, including product combinations, visual support, verbal prompting, collaboration with schools or services, and symptom management.

Conclusion: Menstrual care for girls and women with neurodevelopmental characteristics should be framed as daily living skills education and inclusive support. Individualized, visually supported, and developmentally appropriate menstrual education should be coordinated across home, school, health, and community settings.