The current literature shows growing evidence of a link between gender dysphoria (GD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study reviews the available clinical and empirical data. A systematic search of the literature was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO …
Research indicates that individuals with ASD are more likely to experience gender dysphoria, and vice versa.
I would also suggest, based on the autistic people in my own family, that autistic people generally have a much more solid and developed sense of self than neurotypical people. So where a neurotypical person might think, “maybe I’m a woman, not a man, but could that be true? Should I tell the world?” an autistic person will think, “I am a woman. If you tell me I’m not a woman, you’re lying.”
The sense of self might be different for everyone or even among families with similar genetics and experiences. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were multiple causes of autism.
However, for me I would say that I have a weak sense of identity of a self. It’s a I’m here as I am, in this moment and couldn’t possibly be anything else. Social expectations or a manufactured identity are not even considered, and would take too much energy.
You know how many people have a favorite team? They really identify with it, it’s THEIR favorite team. Like it is an inherent property of who they are.
Well from my perspective I don’t feel that. There may be a team I had nostalgia for and some good memories with. But does that make it mine?
However, if I was somehow officially a member of that team and people were telling me that I don’t belong there, I could not be personally convinced otherwise of something that is an obvious fact. I am, however I find myself to be and society can’t change that with words or expectations.
I would also suggest, based on the autistic people in my own family, that autistic people generally have a much more solid and developed sense of self than neurotypical people. So where a neurotypical person might think, “maybe I’m a woman, not a man, but could that be true? Should I tell the world?” an autistic person will think, “I am a woman. If you tell me I’m not a woman, you’re lying.”
The sense of self might be different for everyone or even among families with similar genetics and experiences. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were multiple causes of autism.
However, for me I would say that I have a weak sense of identity of a self. It’s a I’m here as I am, in this moment and couldn’t possibly be anything else. Social expectations or a manufactured identity are not even considered, and would take too much energy.
You know how many people have a favorite team? They really identify with it, it’s THEIR favorite team. Like it is an inherent property of who they are.
Well from my perspective I don’t feel that. There may be a team I had nostalgia for and some good memories with. But does that make it mine?
However, if I was somehow officially a member of that team and people were telling me that I don’t belong there, I could not be personally convinced otherwise of something that is an obvious fact. I am, however I find myself to be and society can’t change that with words or expectations.