Autism and Gender Identity

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Since the turn of the century, we are witnessing a dramatic surge in the numbers of children and adolescents referred to gender clinics, this is happening in the context of general increase in numbers of individuals identifying as non-binary. The chapter ahead will initially address the shifting landscape of gender dysphoria (GD), and provides a comprehensive overview of the latest findings in the fields of autism and GF. The higher rates of autism’ diagnosis among gender diverse samples prompted the development of several hypotheses that attempt to explain the link between autism spectrum and gender spectrum, as well as development of relevant clinical guidelines that contain strong advocacy for adolescents with neurodiversity not to be precluded from gaining access to gender-related services. In the public arena, a highly publicised UK High Court’s case that is commonly referred to as Bell v Tavistock highlighted the growing concerns regarding the unexplained surge in the number of adolescents identifying as having GF, as well as pointed to the lack of evidence that hormones and surgery improve long-term outcomes. The chapter explored the recommendations that came out of this ruling and highlighted the
implications for Australian jurisdiction by illustrating medico-legal changes on Perth-based gender services.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAutism Spectrum Disorder
Subtitle of host publicationProfile, Heterogeneity, Neurobiology and Intervention
EditorsMichael Fitzgerald
Place of PublicationLondon, UK
PublisherInTechOpen
Chapter3
Pages39-58
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)78-1-83881-013-9
ISBN (Print)978-1-83881-005-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 May 2021

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