ASD characteristics that predict the severity of GD- 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Gender Dysphoria and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Internal Characteristics of ASD that predict severity of gender related distress
IRAS ID
334711
Contact name
Matthew Hollocks
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
n/a, n/a
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 30 days
Research summary
The aim of this study is to assess what predicts or mediates the relationship between gender diversity and severity of gender-related distress in a sample of adolescents with autism. This study will examine internal characteristics associated with autism, specifically emotion regulation, rigidity of thinking, and body emotional investment, and the impact they have on mediating the maintenance of severity of gender-related distress within a gender diverse population. Research has indicated that an association exists between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria. Individuals who have a diagnosis of autism and are gender diverse are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health difficulties. The aim of this study is to assess what mediates the relationship between gender diversity and gender dysphoria in a sample of adolescents, aged 13-17 years old, with autism.
Participants will be recruited via SLaM services, charities, and social media. The study will recruit at least 80 adolescents between the ages 13-17 years old with a diagnosis of autism. The experimental group will consist of 40 adolescents who identify as gender diverse, while the other 40 adolescents who are not gender diverse will make up the control group. All participants will be asked to complete a set of self-report measures to gather information on their experience of gender dysphoria and autism, alongside information regarding their body emotional investment, and emotion regulation, bullying and victimisation, parental acceptance, and depression, anxiety and stress. Their parents/carers will be asked to complete a measure examining their child’s cognitive flexibility. Once these measures have been completed no further information will be required from participants. The information gathered will be used to test whether (i) emotion regulation, (ii) cognitive flexibility, or (iii) body emotional investment mediates the relationship between gender diversity and gender dysphoria. This will be completed by June 2025.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/LO/0124
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion