Team TransLash celebrates that being neurodivergence is something we can be proud about. For many within our community, the journey of understanding gender identity happens alongside the journey of understanding neurodivergence. Research and lived experiences consistently show a significant overlap between being transgender or non-binary and being on the autism spectrum. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth are three to six more times as likely to be neurodivergent as cisgender people, according to these studies<\/a>. Some experts refer to this as a “double-minority” experience\u2014but we know it as a beautiful, multifaceted way of experiencing the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On April 2nd, World Autism Awareness Day<\/a>, we\u2019re sharing love for all of our TGNC siblings on the spectrum. This day also kicks off a month-long campaign toward greater acceptance and appreciation of neurodiversity.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you are seeking an affirming therapist, a support group that understands your sensory needs, or simply a community that validates your entire self without asking you to mask, you are not alone. In this TransLash guide, we have compiled a comprehensive list of resources, organizations, and media dedicated to the intersection of being trans and on the spectrum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The\u00a0word\u00a0‘neurodiversity<\/a><\/strong>‘ was created as a\u00a0term\u00a0to describe a movement towards neurological diversity being accepted and respected in society.\u00a0Neurodivergence\u00a0includes those who live with Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD, Dyspraxia and other neurological realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOn the spectrum\u201d\u00a0usually refers to the specific set of behavioral and developmental realities associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)<\/a>. A diagnosis of ASD means that a person’s communication, social, and play skills are affected in ways that aren’t coded as neurotypical<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding safe, supportive spaces where you can be your authentic self is vitally important for life happiness and health. Unfortunately, many trans autistic individuals face unique systemic barriers, from healthcare providers who dismiss their gender identity due to their neurodivergence, to sensory-overwhelming environments in traditional LGBTQIA+ spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Affirming care must address the whole<\/em> person. The resources below are dedicated to providing support that respects the intertwined realities of being both trans and neurodivergent, ensuring that you don’t have to leave a part of your identity at the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When looking for systemic support, education, and advocacy, these organizations center the voices of autistic and neurodivergent queer folks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding a therapist or medical provider who understands both gender dysphoria\/euphoria and autistic traits is critical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, the best resource is simply talking to other people in similar situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Seeing yourself reflected in media is a powerful form of validation. Here are a few starting points:<\/p>\n\n\n\nGeneral Overviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Intersecting Realities of Neurodiversity and Gender<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
National Organizations & Advocacy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Mental Health & Affirming Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Community Building & Peer Support<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Content Creators, Media, & Books<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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