Evidence of a Link Should Raise Awareness of the Condition and Generate Screenings
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders published a new study that shows a link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria/incongruence (GD/GI). The authors performed a meta-analysis that included 47 separate studies; five were conducted with children, 13 with children and adolescents, two with adolescents, two with children, adolescents, and adults, nine with adolescents and adults, and 16 with only adults. The research team came to three conclusions. First, they found “a positive relationship between ASD traits and GD/GI feelings among people from the general population.” Additionally, they discovered “an increased prevalence of GD/GI in the autistic population.” Finally, they determined that there is “an increased prevalence of ASD diagnoses and ASD traits in the GD/GI population.” The authors suggest that there is likely a link between autism and gender dysphoria, which “warrants the investigation of mechanisms that could explain that link and the intensification of clinical attention to autistic GD/GI individuals.” The authors also believe that their meta-analysis can help individuals on the spectrum that are facing GD/GI issues. They state, “Evidence about a link between ASD and GD/GI might stimulate the development of appropriate trainings to raise their awareness so that GD/GI people are screened for ASD and autistic people for gender-related issues.”
