What is a Normal Period?

While everybody’s period is different, it can be good to talk to a doctor if your child is:

• bleeding through pads and clothing even though they’re changing their pads regularly
• passing blood clots larger than a 50-cent coin
• having to change pads and tampons throughout the night
• having to change their pad or tampon every hour
• unable to leave home on the heaviest days
• bleeding for more than 7 days
• experiencing lots of pain
• having irregular and unpredictable periods

When people first start their periods they are often irregular. If after 6 months they are still irregular, it can be good to see a doctor.

It can also be good to talk to a doctor if your child’s period appears to be affecting their mental health.

Many of these symptoms are treatable. Seeking medical help to reduce these symptoms can greatly improve your child’s quality of life and ability to manage their period. Medication, including some types of hormonal contraception, may be prescribed as way to reduce or manage some of these symptoms.

This is a question that parents ask us sometimes when they are concerned about their child’s ability to manage their own period. It’s OK to be concerned.

However, with education and support, many people with intellectual disability and/or autism spectrum disorder can manage their period successfully. There are times, however, that medication, including hormonal contraceptive methods, can be prescribed to help a person manage their period.

This may be because their period is particularly long, heavy or painful, or to help with premenstrual tension or mood swings.

If this is a concern for you and your child, you should speak to your doctor for advice.

However, when considering options to assist your child to manage their period, it is important that they are involved in the decision making process as much as possible. Providing your child with easy read information, pictures and resources can help them to learn about their body and the options available to help manage their period. For more information on supporting decision making, Go to Supporting Decision Making page.