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. Not because of social expectations or anything else. That’s 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. Not because of social expectations or anything else. That’s 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.