The Unknown Mindscapes: Gender Dysphoria and Romantic/ Sexuality Relationships in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD (original) (raw)
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Autisme spectrum and gender dysphoria
A recent article published by Lemaire, Thomazeau & Bonnet-Brilhault (2014) and a letter to the editor by Tateno, Tateno & Saito (2008) has shown that in individual cases of Gender Dysphoria (GD) there are instances of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well. In light of this information the following question arises: To what extent do gender dysphoric features relate in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders ? To answer this question a keyword profile search was done in the following databases: Web of Science, PsychINFO and PubMed. A search on gender dysphoria and autism did not yield enough hits, therefore there was chosen to expand the key terms with gender identity disorder and transex* was added to gender dysphoria. And Asperger was added to the search of autism. The number of hits were increased from 7 hits to approximately 22-27 hits in the respective databases. The final keyword profile was: ((“gender dysphoria” OR “gender identity disorder” OR transex*) AND (autism* OR Asperger)). It was chosen to regard the hits given in Web of Science since this database provided the most hits. From the 27 hits in Web of Science seven articles gave relevant information in order to answer the research question. Six out of seven articles give evidence as to the co-occurrence of ASD and GD or traits thereof. One article raises caution to the diagnosis of gender dysphoria in individuals with autism spectrum disorders due to the existence of transient obsessions in said individuals.
AUTISM AND GENDER DYSPHORIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF THEIR COEXISTENCE AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS (Atena Editora), 2024
Objective: Analyze the existing scientific literature in order to highlight and understand the coexistence of autism and gender dysphoria, as well as their clinical implications, in order to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of the topic. Methods: Narrative bibliographic review through the PubMed database using the search terms “Autistic Disorder”, “Autism Spectrum Disorder” and “Gender Dysphoria”, in association with the Boolean operators “OR” and “AND”, initially resulting in 79 articles. After evaluation based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, only 16 articles became official sources for the present study. Discussion: The studies reviewed highlight the importance of an integrated approach when examining the co-occurrence between Autism and Gender Dysphoria, in addition to exploring possible etiological connections with maternal exposure to testosterone during pregnancy. Furthermore, several social and behavioral factors, such as prejudice and cognitive inflexibility, influence the dynamics of belonging. The lack of family support and the lack of attendance at appointments emerge as some of the obstacles that hinder both the diagnosis and the promotion of mental health in affected individuals. Final considerations: Studies indicate that the coexistence between Autism and Gender Dysphoria is a significant challenge, requiring a personalized therapeutic approach. This complex interaction requires a deeper understanding to promote adequate diagnosis, treatment, mental health, well-being and emotional support.
Sexuality and Gender Issues in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 2020
Sexuality in autism is now recognized as a normative, and integral aspect of development and functioning. 1,2 Existing research suggests that most individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) display a clear interest in sexuality and relationships, and
Psychiatria Polska
Girls and women with autism are often undiagnosed, misdiagnosed or receive a diagnosis of autism at later age. This can result in adverse outcomes in their well-being, mental health, education, employment, and independence. The diagnosis of autism spectrum condition/disorder (hereinafter referred to as autism), with its current features linked with descriptions in the major diagnostic classification systems, is based primarily on observations and research on males. The term 'Autism Spectrum Condition' (ASC), used in this paper, has been coined by Simon Baron-Cohen and used in the professional literature for a decade to respect these individuals on the autism spectrum who feel that the term 'disorder' is stigmatizing, whereas ASC presents both the strengths of these people and difficulties they experience. The research shows that autism in females has unique symptomatology and manifests itself differently, more subtly, especially in high-functioning girls and women, i.e., those with fluent speech, average or above-average intelligence quotient. The research also shows diagnostic stereotypes and lack of required sensitivity to identify autistic females. Additionally they do not reflect the unique presentation of autism in females demonstrated by greater compensatory capacity and an ability to develop sophisticated methods of 'camouflaging' and masquerading. Furthermore, autism in females is associated with high comorbidity during adolescence including anxiety disorder, tic disorder, depression, high incidence of suicide, eating disorders, and high rates of other medical problems. Timely diagnosis, however, can reduce the difficulties that females with autism experience over their lifetime, allowing for the assessment of their needs regarding health, education, leisure, social relationships, and employment.
Women & Girls on the Autism Spectrum: A Profile
Journal of intellectual disability diagnosis and treatment, 2017
Being female and autistic is poorly understood, but is autism really 'rare' in females? Historically, autism has been associated with traditionally masculine features and stereotypes of behaviour, with some believing autism only occurred in males [1]. This leads scientific enquiry to the critical question of whether there are more males living with autism or, conversely, do females on the autistic spectrum present differently to males and, therefore, are at risk of remaining undiagnosed?
Transgender and gender nonconforming people who fulfill diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) often present to mental health providers with concerns that are distinct from those without ASDs. Gender Dysphoria (GD) and ASDs have been proposed to share etiologic mechanisms and there is evidence that ASDs may be more common in transgender and gender nonconforming people. Purpose: To explore the impact of ASD characteristics on individual gender identity, expression, and the process of psychotherapy. Method: The authors present two case studies of high-functioning individuals with ASD and GD diagnoses. Results: The limited ability to articulate an inner experience, deficits in Theory of Mind (ToM), along with the intolerance of ambiguity as a manifestation of the cognitive rigidity characteristic of ASDs, may present special difficulties to gender identity formation and consolidation and create challenges in psychotherapy. Conclusions: The authors suggest that ASDs do not preclude gender transition and that individuals with highfunctioning ASDs are capable of making informed decisions regarding their medical care and life choices. The authors also consider possible challenges and suggest techniques for assisting such clients in exploring their gender identities.
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Gender Dysphoric Children and Adolescents
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 2010
Only case reports have described the co-occurrence of gender identity disorder (GID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study examined this co-occurrence using a systematic approach. Children and adolescents (115 boys and 89 girls, mean age 10.8, SD = 3.58) referred to a gender identity clinic received a standardized assessment during which a GID diagnosis was made and ASD suspected cases were identified. The Dutch version of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (10th rev., DISCO-10) was administered to ascertain ASD classifications. The incidence of ASD in this sample of children and adolescents was 7.8% (n = 16). Clinicians should be aware of co-occurring ASD and GID and the challenges it generates in clinical management.
Women & Girls on the Autism Spectrum: A Profile
Journal of Intellectual Disability - Diagnosis and Treatment, 2017
Being female and autistic is poorly understood, but is autism really 'rare' in females? Historically, autism has been associated with traditionally masculine features and stereotypes of behaviour, with some believing autism only occurred in males [1]. This leads scientific enquiry to the critical question of whether there are more males living with autism or, conversely, do females on the autistic spectrum present differently to males and, therefore, are at risk of remaining undiagnosed?
Autism spectrum disorders: Toward a gendered embodiment model
Social Science & Medicine, 2012
One of the most consistent observations in the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is the preponderance of male cases. A few hypotheses have been put forth which attempt to explain this divergence in terms of sex-linked biology, with limited success. Feminist epidemiologists suggest the importance of investigating specific mechanisms for male-female differences in health outcomes, which may include sex-linked biology and/or gender relations, as well as complex biosocial interactions. Neither domain has been systematically investigated for autism, and the possible role of gender has been particularly neglected. In this article, we posit hypotheses about how social processes based on perception of persons as male or female, particularly patterns of social and physical interaction in early development, may affect the observed occurrence and diagnosis of ASD. We gesture toward an embodiment model, incorporating hypotheses about initial biological vulnerabilities to autism e which may or may not be differentially distributed in relation to sex biology e and their interactions with gender relations, which are demonstrably different for male and female infants. Toward building such a model, we first review the epidemiology of ASD with an eye toward male-female differences, then present a theory of gender as a "pervasive developmental environment" with relevance for the excess burden of autism among males. Finally, we suggest research strategies to further investigate this issue.