Citation:
Savard, L., Lodestone, Z., Kaitlyn A., Moore, C., Lewis, L. (2024) “Gender identity and Sexual Health: Perspective of Autistic People and Healthcare Transition stakeholders”. Poster presented at the Osher Institute Health Equity Summit, Burlington, VT.
Summary
Autistic youth and adults have many practical suggestions to offer to improve gender identity and sexual health issues in healthcare.
- Provide education to autistic youth regarding gender identity, sexual health and relationships.
- Develop autistic-informed gender and sexual health training for providers.
- Trained providers and appropriate education could decrease trauma from abusive relationships and sexual violence experienced at a high rate by autistic people.
- Provide information on alternative sexualities and sub-cultures to autistic youth, adults and providers.
- Education on gender identity, sexuality and relationships is critical for autistic youth to develop authentic relationships and support their mental health.
- Increase sensory, communication, cognitive and system accessibility of sexual health services including transportation, financial support and geographic access.
Autistic [1] youth and adults are 6 times more likely to identify as non-binary, gender fluid or transgender.1 They make up 11% of the LGBTQI+ population.2 The intersection of gender diversity and neurodiversity contributes to increased health inequities, adversity and trauma. During the time of transition to adulthood, support and education for sexual health is a critical area of need for autistic youth.
[1] We are using identity-first language and person-first language, as this is the preference of our team and members.
To identify the research gaps to improve the healthcare transition for autistic youth and young adults.
• Specifically focus on gender identity and sexual health needs.
- Participatory action approach and qualitative method
- Literature review
- Focus group discussions with autistic and non-autistic stakeholders.
- Interviews with professionals
- Surveys
“So, I think because we have perhaps a greater percentage of gender and sexual orientation-diverse people in our population, it seems like sexual healthcare should be LGBTQ-friendly or at least not Cis Het normative in its approach.” –Autistic adult
