LGBTQIA+ and Autism

Contemporary research on the intersection of autism, sexuality, and gender identity asserts that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as LGBTQIA+ than the neurotypical population. Similarly, the prevalence of autism is higher among transgender people than cisgender individuals. Autistic individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ face increased discrimination in access to care, cultural stigmas, and violence. Such experiences can drive poor mental and suicidality which are already high among autistic and LGBTQIA+ communities.

To better support autistic LGBTQIA+ individuals, we must accept, validate, and listen to the lived experiences of this community. By doing so, we can learn how best to support and assist family, friends, and loved ones who experience this intersection. We hope these resources from across the web are helpful to LGBTQIA+ members of the autism community and those who love and support them.

Research: LGBTQ+ and Autism

Gender Dysphoria and ASD – a free webinar from ARI Board Member, Wenn Lawson, PhD
Autistic People More Likely to Identify as LGBTQ – from SPARK
Gender and sexuality in autism, explained – from Spectrum Magazine
LGBTQ + and autism spectrum disorder: Experiences and challenges – from the International Journal of Transgender Health
Initial Clinical Guidelines for Co-Occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria or Incongruence in Adolescents – from Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology
Autistic LGBTQ+ people report frequent mental health problems – from Spectrum
Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals – from Nature Communications
Sexual Orientation in Autism Spectrum Disorder – from Autism Research

Resources and Support

Autism, Sexuality and Gender Identity – from Autism Speaks
LGBTQI Resource Page – from The Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT)
Teasing, Bullying and Cyberbullying – free ARI webinar
Bullying and ASD: Addressing Victimization – free ARI webinar
The Trevor Project – information & support to LGBTQ young people 24/7

Sexuality and Dating

Social/Sexual Awareness – from ARI
Sexuality & ASD: How to Address Sex Education for People with ASD – from the Johnson Center for Child Health and Development
ASD Support: The Ins and Outs of Dating – free ARI webinar
Dating: Tips for autistic teens and adults – from Autism Speaks
10 things to know about dating someone with autism – from Autism Speaks

Parents and Caregivers: The Importance of Self-Care

autismAdmin2023-01-25T17:06:03-05:00January 18th, 2023|Autism Spectrum Disorders, Caregiver Care, Webinar|

“If you are an exhausted or overwhelmed caregiver, this presentation is for you.” Amanda Tami, LPC, BCBA, discusses the importance of self-care for adult caregivers supporting people with special needs, including autism. She

Back-To-School Strategies for Autism

autismAdmin2022-08-31T21:07:48-05:00August 30th, 2022|Autism Spectrum Disorders, Back to School, Educational Therapies, Meltdowns, Parenting, School Issues, Self-Injury, Technology and ASD, Ways to Help, Webinar|

Playback in English: Playback in Spanish: Learn evidence-based strategies for supporting students with autism as they transition back to the classroom. This talk was presented

Autism Research: Nothing About Me Without Me

autismAdmin2023-03-14T02:31:40-05:00July 19th, 2021|Adults on the Spectrum, Research, Webinar|

Dr. Wenn Lawson discusses “nothing about us without us” and capacity building to enable the benefits of participatory research co-production. He differentiates traditional, participatory, and co-production research methodologies and recounts his experiences in