Gender Dysphoria and Autism: The Development of Gender Identity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Gender Dysphoria and Autism: The Development of Gender Identity
IRAS ID
231505
Contact name
Laura Fisher
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Salomons Centre for Applied Psychology
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 4 months, 24 days
Research summary
There has been a recent increase in the number of children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (neurodevelopmental condition) also being diagnosed with gender dysphoria. Gender dysphoria (GD) is when a person's gender identity (a person's conception of their self as male or female) causes them distress as it has not developed in line with their assigned (birth) gender.
There is a paucity of research into gender identity development in children with ASD, and even less so in those with a diagnosis of ASD and GD. With the rate of people with ASD wishing to transgender rising, it is imperative more time is devoted to research within these populations. The more we understand gender identity development the better clinicians can advise and guide those with gender related concerns.
The proposed study aims to investigate gender identity development in assigned males with a diagnosis of ASD and GD, and assigned males with a diagnosis of ASD alone. Gender identity will be explored by asking what they think has influenced its development.
I will ask participants to engage in semi-structured interviews regarding the development of their gender identity across the lifespan. In addition, they will be asked to complete two tasks; one relating to how they feel about their bodies and one a description of their social circles. The aim of these tasks is to build rapport, collect data, and assist in exploring sensitive topics.
The research is funded by Surrey and Borders NHS Trust as part of a Clinical Psychology Doctorate programme. Participants will be recruited through The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust's Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) and the National Autistic Society.
The study is one of a number of studies conducted at GIDS exploring the relationship with ASD and GD. GIDs is the national specialist service supporting gender diverse young people up to 18.
REC name
London - Riverside Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1906
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jan 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion