Liz Bancroft spent 13 years trying to have a baby, with six of those years dedicated to IVF treatment. She now has a son, born two years ago, but the road to motherhood was filled with challenges. Recently, a diagnosis of autism shed new light on why the journey was especially tough for her.
“I didn’t realize I was autistic until about 12 months after having my son,” Liz, 39, from Perth, Australia, says. “When I saw signs of autism in my son, it all pointed back to me. I didn’t know earlier, and I wish I had because it might have helped me cope better through the IVF process.”
Liz, a clinical and counseling psychologist, has since used her experience to create a program aimed at helping neurodivergent women navigate IVF, offering support tailored to their unique needs.
The IVF Journey
Liz’s struggles with fertility began after a miscarriage 13 years ago. She and her husband were unable to conceive naturally after that, leading her to IVF. Her first clinic refused to treat her due to her BMI, prompting her to undergo gastric surgery to lose weight. After losing 55 kilograms, she moved to a new clinic, where she underwent several unsuccessful IVF attempts.
After trying various protocols without success, she switched to a third clinic. She tried ovulation induction, which resulted in three consecutive pregnancies, but all ended in miscarriage. Liz then opted for IVF, insisting on a laparoscopy to check for endometriosis. It revealed mild endometriosis and a cyst on her uterus, both of which were removed.
Eventually, the IVF procedure resulted in a successful pregnancy, leading to the birth of her son. However, when she returned for a second round last year, the first attempt produced no embryos, and the second only one, which did not implant. Financial constraints have limited her ability to pursue further IVF treatment, and at almost 40 years old, Liz is now focusing on trying to conceive naturally.
A Late Diagnosis
Liz had always considered herself neurotypical, despite working with neurodivergent clients. It wasn’t until she recognized signs of autism in her son that she began to question whether her challenges in life might be related to autism as well.
“The more I reflected, the more it all made sense,” she says. “I always thought my struggles with control and routine were just part of my personality, but I now realize they were signs of autism.”
Liz points out that many of the difficulties she faced during IVF, such as stress and a lack of control, were intensified by her neurodivergence. Despite seeking therapy for potential childhood trauma, it wasn’t until she self-screened for autism that she understood her experiences better. She found relief in reframing her struggles through a neurodivergent lens.
Stress and Sensory Overload During IVF
One of the most challenging moments for Liz during IVF was the egg collection procedure. The process is crucial and requires precise timing, but it is also extremely stressful.
“I needed structure, but there was none. The waiting room was chaotic, and no one communicated what was happening,” Liz recalls. “I was overstimulated by the noise and bright lights. It got to the point where I felt I was going to have a meltdown.”
Liz had to leave the room to calm herself, pacing outside for 40 minutes. She wonders if the stress from this experience may have affected the outcome of her egg collection.
Advocacy and Support for Neurodivergent Women
In response to her experiences, Liz has developed a program to support neurodivergent women through IVF. She believes that offering accommodations such as clearer communication, written instructions, sensory-friendly environments, and options for sensory aids like noise-canceling headphones could make a significant difference.
“Autistic women are more likely to shut down or comply passively rather than speak up for themselves,” Liz explains. “My program aims to give these women the support they need to navigate IVF in a way that suits their neurodivergent needs.”
Liz’s advocacy is rooted in her own journey, and her program is her way of helping others who face similar challenges. While IVF remains a difficult and expensive process, Liz’s mission is to ensure that neurodivergent women receive the care and understanding they deserve.
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