Embracing Diversity: Understanding Gender Identity and Autism
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Chapter 1: The Cass Review and Its Implications
The conclusion of the Cass Review concerning gender-identity services for minors was released on April 10th. While it didn’t impose the outright prohibition on gender-affirming care for children that some gender-critical advocates anticipated, the right-leaning media quickly heralded it as a victory. They exploited it to argue that children were being subjected to harmful experiments through gender-affirming treatment. On the same day, NHS England announced an independent investigation into adult gender identity services, raising concerns that this could lead to restrictions for individuals over 18. This has undoubtedly been a challenging period for those whose gender identity doesn’t conform to traditional norms, including myself.
The Cass Review referred to the discourse surrounding gender identity as “toxic” and “ideological,” implying that such identities should be open to scrutiny. Although some recommendations could potentially enhance the quality of care for children, the implementation remains uncertain. Following the interim review, trans youth have effectively been barred from accessing puberty blockers through NHS services, with exceptions only for those who participate in clinical trials. The final report cites a "lack of robust evidence" supporting the use of these blockers.
While a comprehensive assessment for children is essential, the report's treatment of neurodivergence raises concerns. In the United States, we have already witnessed efforts to limit gender-affirming care for autistic youth. The suggestion to screen for autism and ADHD may result in delays or outright denial of care.
Section 1.1: The Neurodivergent Experience
Within the LGBTQ+ community, we recognize that a significant number of trans and non-binary individuals are also autistic. Personally, I identify as both non-binary and autistic. The Cass Review highlights studies indicating that trans and gender-diverse individuals are 3 to 6 times more likely to be autistic. This is not surprising; however, the report's implications that neurodivergent individuals lack awareness of their bodies and emotions are troubling. Cass even insinuates that we may not fully understand these aspects until our early 20s, suggesting that we require “black and white answers” and struggle with uncertainty. Such outdated stereotypes seem to be resurfacing as justifications for limiting care. Cass even touches upon how these factors may influence our understanding of sexuality. Are we next going to restrict autistic individuals from identifying as gay? Statistically, we are also more prone to diverse sexual orientations.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Complexity of Identity
As an autistic individual, I embody multiple identities, including various physical and mental health challenges that coexist with my neurodivergence. Sadly, many autistic people face diagnostic overshadowing, where healthcare professionals dismiss other health issues as merely symptoms of autism — an issue only briefly acknowledged in the review.
It’s crucial to remember that correlation does not imply causation. There is no proof that autism directly leads to gender incongruence. Despite Cass’s acknowledgment of "weak" evidence being excluded from the review, the association between autism and gender diversity is prominently featured. Ultimately, no one can definitively explain why so many of us identify as gender non-conforming. Research aimed at elucidating this phenomenon could easily parallel attempts to identify a “gay gene.” Our identities should not be viewed through a pathological lens; frankly, it shouldn’t matter.
Section 1.2: Challenges Faced by Neurodivergent Individuals
Gender-critical voices have long highlighted the correlation between autism and gender diversity, perpetuating worn-out stereotypes. In a previous article, I recounted my encounters with these detractors on social media. What I hadn’t mentioned was their attacks on my autism, suggesting my views on trans issues were invalid due to my neurodivergence. They claimed my “rigid thinking” precluded me from understanding the complexities of gender identity, even referencing my profile bio that indicates my autistic status as proof of my supposed ignorance. Their arguments imply that trans youth are merely autistic, asserting that gender-affirming care is somehow detrimental.
Gender identity is multifaceted and, like autism, exists on a spectrum. We may never fully understand the relationship between autism and gender non-conformity, and that’s perfectly acceptable. It’s likely that we reflect a broader spectrum of gender and sexual diversity within the general population. The difference lies in our frequent inability to grasp the unspoken rules and expectations society imposes on us — hence, the assumption that we should conform.
Chapter 2: The Importance of Acceptance
In this video, we delve into how transphobia exploits burnout among neurodivergent trans individuals. It emphasizes the urgent need for understanding and acceptance.
This video discusses the intersection of autism and gender-critical perspectives, shedding light on the misconceptions and challenges faced by autistic individuals in the gender identity discourse.
Navigating life as an autistic person comes with its own challenges, particularly the pressure to conform. I learned to mask my true self from a young age to fit into neurotypical standards. This suppression of my authentic identity adversely affected my mental well-being and self-esteem. Denying or limiting access to gender-affirming care for autistic youth will likely produce similar negative outcomes. Not only may they be conditioned to view their autistic traits as flaws, but there’s also a risk that their gender identity is conflated with their autism and deemed something that requires “fixing.”
Instead of weaponizing the narratives of autistic individuals in this cultural struggle, it’s time we embrace and celebrate our diversity. We are not just neurodivergent; we also embody a myriad of expressions in our gender and sexual identities. And honestly, isn’t that something to celebrate?