LGBTQ+ and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Experiences and Challenges
Hillier, Gallop, Mendes, Tellez, Buckingham, Nizami and OToole (2020)
There is little research into gender identity, Autism and the queer Autistic experience. This research aims to improve the current understanding of the queer Autistic experience from a first-hand perspective. There is a particular focus on the challenges stemming from the dual identities of Autistic and LGBTQ+. A focus group with four Autistic participants was conducted, the participants had a range of gender identities including transgender, agender, non-binary and queer. The results of a qualitative analysis of the focus group transcripts found four key themes. These key themes were: Effect of dual identities; multiple minority stressors; isolation and lack of service provision. The research findings show the need for better support, understanding and practices for the dual identities of LGBTQ+ and Autism. The authors stress the need for Autistic queer adults' voices to be heard and the wider implications of the study for the disability community as a whole.
