Autism and gender and sexuality diversity

The inclusion of a chapter on intersectional autism and LGBTQ+ identities within a book focused on autism in girls and women accords with calls for greater attention to both gender and assigned sex in autism research. For example, any study of autistic “girls” or “women” or “female” autistic people must consider gender identity, assigned sex, and broader gender expression-related characteristics. The chapter provides an overview of the existing literature on intersectional autism and gender and sexuality diversity. It also provides a critique regarding notable gaps in the literature, contextualizing the particular focus researchers have placed on intersectional autism and gender diversity and the relative lack of research on autism and sexual orientation diversity. The chapter begins by presenting a conceptual framework for understanding gender and sexuality diversity in autism. A review of the literature on broad LGBTQ+ identities and autism is followed by reviews of gender diversity and autism and sexual diversity and autism. Co-created by an authorship team of autistic LGBTQ+ co-authors, the chapter concludes with a contemporary commentary on the state of the literature, as contextualized by autistic LGBTQ+ people. The autistic LGBTQ+ co-authors also reflect on the daily lives of autistic LGBTQ+ individuals across a range of contexts. Several themes emerge in the commentary including the importance of research and advocacy across nations (as much research has been conducted in more affirming countries), the need for attention to mental health and clinical needs, and the need for societal acceptance and inclusion for individuals with multiple marginalized identities.