Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals

Publication: Nature Communications

Varun Warrier, David M. Greenberg, Elizabeth Weir  Clara Buckingham, Paula Smith, Meng-Chuan Lai,  Carrie Allison, Simon Baron-Cohen

7 August 2020


Summary:

Transgender and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be autistic and report higher autistic traits

Researchers reviewed over 600,000 people and used five datasets where participants provided information such as gender identity and if they received a diagnosis of autism or other psychiatric conditions such as depression or schizophrenia. Participants also completed a measure of autistic traits.

Researchers found that transgender and gender-diverse adult individuals were between three and six times more likely to indicate that they were diagnosed as autistic compared to cisgender individuals. The study used data from adults who said they had received an autism diagnosis, however, it is likely there are more individuals on the autistic spectrum who are undiagnosed.

This research will help improve access to mental health care and support for transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Read the full news story.

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