The Intersection of Pride and Neurodivergence
Disclaimer: We want to affirm our commitment to neurodiversity and inclusive language practices. We utilize identity-first language, acknowledging the preferences of the community we serve. Therefore, you may notice us referring to individuals as "autistic people" rather than "people with autism." This choice reflects our dedication to respecting the autonomy and identity of each individual. Studies have indicated that many within the autistic community prefer the term "autistic person," emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring diverse perspectives. Thank you for joining us on this journey of understanding and acceptance.
Hello friends!
In honor of June being Pride month🏳️🌈, this week we will discuss the intersection of neurodiversity and identifying as LGBTQIA+. In recent years, research has begun exploring the links between neurodiversity and the LGBTQIA+ community [1].
We will begin by going over what neurodiversity means, then will move our focus to the overlap between identifying as LGBTQIA+ and being neurodivergent. We will also touch on the stigma surrounding marginalized groups, as individuals in both the LGBTQIA+ community and those who are neurodivergent experience barriers to care, discrimination and stigmatization, medical mistrust, misinformation, and ableism.
First, let’s refresh our understanding of neurodiversity—
Neurodiversity refers to the nearly infinite neuro-cognitive variability we have as humans, as individuals have their own unique nervous system with its very own combination of abilities and needs [2]. In other words, neurodivergence explains a whole host of experiences and variations in communication, learning, attention, and other important brain functions [3]. Neurodivergent variations can include Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Dyspraxia, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Tourette Syndrome, and more [2].
It is important to note that neurodiversity is not something that requires a “cure,” rather it is a term that refers to the diagnosis of a neurodivergent condition [3]. This notion that neurodivergent people need to be fixed relates to ableism, which is a system of oppression that rests on the assumption that neurotypical individuals are “normal,” and that there is something wrong or “abnormal” with being neurodivergent [1]. A neurodivergent diagnosis, however, can be helpful in learning about resources and other tools available to help you navigate an allistic, neurotypical world [3]. One such resource might be workplace accommodations (to learn more about this, check out our blog post on 504 plans and workplace accommodations for more information).
Intersection of LGBTQIA+ identity and neurodiversity
Current research has noted the intersection between sexuality and gender identity, in particular with respect to Autism [4, 5, 6]. It is thought that neurodivergent people are less likely to be impacted by social norms (i.e. less likely to adapt) and are more likely to question/explore their gender and/or sexual identities
[1]. To this end, findings suggest that more than half of neurodivergent adults identify as LGBTQIA+ [4]. In 2018, a study reported that almost 70% of autistic people identify as non-heterosexual [1]. An additional study reported that gender diverse people are more likely to report “autistic traits and suspect that they have undiagnosed autism” [1].
In addition to this, research has found that autistic adults who identify as LGBTQIA+ experience significant health disparities such as limited access to mental health treatment, for example [4]. Also, transgender and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with Autism, as well as anxiety, depression, and ADHD [4]. More to this end, the National LGBT Health Education Center highlights evidence that neurodivergent individuals (particularly Autistics, are more likely to be gender diverse and identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, compared with neurotypical peers [2].
Stigma, discrimination, and barriers to care
The intersection of identities surrounding sexuality, gender identity, and neurodiversity can lead to increased stress in non-accepting environments (which results in people not receiving the care they need) [3]. There is also a tendency for individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community to be less likely to receive the medical care they need, which impacts the likelihood of getting a diagnosis [1]. Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community also face discrimination related to their gender identity and/or sexual identity [1]. A study found that 70% of gender-diverse autistic teenagers reported needing gender-affirming care, but 32% reported that their gender identity had been questioned because of their autism diagnosis in the past [1]. Stigmatization and discrimination in healthcare leaves queer, neurodivergent individuals without access to gender-affirming care, they remain undiagnosed, and without support or resources [1]. This might also contribute to medical mistrust individuals may experience as a result of non-affirming healthcare.
Despite the barriers to care, discrimination and stigmatization, medical mistrust, misinformation, and ableism that neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+ individuals experience- there is also much light, happiness, and joy within the queer, neurodivergent community.
Resources that may be helpful—
AANE Minnesota (Asperger/ Autism Network (AANE) —has resources on sexual orientation, disclosure, relationships, support groups and more.
Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training (ASERT)— Partnership of medical centers, center for autism research, universities, and other providers to help bring together local, regional, and statewide resources for autistic individuals and their families.
The Trevor Project— The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention to LGBTQIA+ young adults under 25 years old.
Human Rights Campaign— The largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States.
Trans Lifeline— This is a trans-led organization that connects trans people to community, support, and resources.
It Gets Better— A nonprofit organization whose mission is to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQIA+ youth around the world.
