Autism, Perimenopause and Menopause with Barb Cook
About this course
A Certificate of Completion for 2.75 hours professional development will be available for you to download upon completion of this course.
We must ask ourselves, why is it that the biological and hormonal changes that happen to our bodies as we head into mid-life and beyond, is not a topic that widely or openly discussed?
Often hearing the words perimenopause and menopause, instantly bring feelings of dread and fear, without the slightest consideration of anything positive for about a decade, or even longer, due to the impending unpleasant experiences, that will bring us nothing but despair and misery, for many, many years.
No wonder we don’t talk about it!
Many of us feel prepared for our first period, but most of us are certainly not prepared for our last.
It’s time to change that.
This presentation aims to explore, discuss, and openly look at what to expect as we age, what changes our bodies go through, and how each of us can experience similarities, but our journey’s will be unique to us.
Barb will explore how being autistic/neurodivergent can bring a whole different experience from typical people, especially when we have sensory and neurological differences.
From the autistic/neurodivergent perspective, Barb examines how the more informed we are in what to expect and experience, can help reduce our anxiety and overthinking, allowing us to prepare for challenging times, recognise the signs and stages of change, and learn how to be kind to ourselves. We most certainly deserve that!
Perimenopause and menopause are a significant and natural part of life.
It can certainly be challenging at times, and one hell of a ride, so buckle up, as Barb takes you through the experiences of hot flashes, sweat-soaked sheets, the itchy skin, the foggy thinking and the 14-day floods, with a dash of spicy humour and optimism, that will prepare you for the next stage of life.
This course may be claimable for Self & Plan Managed NDIS Participants. Please check with your plan manager/LAC.
Course curriculum
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Autism, Perimenopause and Menopause with Barb Cook
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Presentation Slides
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Recommended Readings (Books)
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Website Links
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Academic Research
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About this course
- $69.00
- 3 hours of video content
- Certificate of Completion for 2.75 Hours Professional Development
- 30 Days to complete course
About the Presenter

Barb Cook, M.Aut.(Ed), Dip.HSc.(Nut)
Developmental Educator, Integrative Nutritionist & Adult ADHD Coach
Barb Cook is a highly committed autistic advocate, writer, editor, and highly sought-after international speaker. She has made appearances on Australian radio and television, in newspapers and magazines, and in the SBS television documentary The Chameleons: Women with Autism.
Barb is a registered Developmental Educator, Adult ADHD Coach, Integrative Nutritionist and certified DNA nutrigenomics/nutrigenetics practitioner, who is dedicated to improving the overall well-being and quality of life for neurodivergent people. Barb identifies a neurodivergent after being diagnosed mid-life (40) and after significant burnout in 2009 with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.
Barb is internationally recognised for her bestselling book on autism in women, Spectrum Women: Walking to the Beat of Autism with Dr Michelle Garnett, filling the gap in literature between lived experience of autistic women and the clinical knowledge. Barb’s second best-selling book co-authored with Yenn Purkis, The Autism and Neurodiversity Self-Advocacy Handbook: Developing Skills to Determine Your Own Future, is an essential guidebook that gives you the tools and strategies to advocate for yourself in any situation, developing your skills in standing up for yourself, your needs and wishes. Recently, Barb's third book, Planning Your Career Through Intense Interests co-authored with Yenn Purkis was released to assist young autistic adults on their career pathways. Barb is currently penning her fourth book on autism and menopause and currently part of an academic research team in the USA in this under-researched area of health.
Barb is founder of Spectrum Women Magazine and is a prolific writer on autism, ADHD and neurodivergence.
Barb is founder of the Neurodiversity Hub in Gympie Queensland, a space providing allied health services for neurodivergent people, including one-on-one support, therapeutic groups, workshops and presentations and an informal space to meet.
Barb is a highly sought-after international speaker and presents on a variety of topics related to women, autism, ADHD and Neurodiversity. Barb spoke at the World Autism Organisation Congress 2018 in Houston Texas and 2019, and was invited by the United States government to keynote a special event “A Woman’s Voice: Understanding Autistic Needs” for the National Institute of Mental Health (NIHM) in Washington DC, USA.
Barb is a passionate motorcyclist, and enjoys riding the love of her life, Ron Strom Burgundy, a Suzuki VStrom DL1000, who assists her with good self-care and an effective anxiety reducing and depression busting practice.
Visit www.neurodiversityhub.com/barb-cook/ and www.barbcook.com.au to learn more about Barb Cook.