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The Overlap Between Neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ Identities
There is growing evidence of a significant overlap between neurodivergent individuals (such as those with autism, ADHD, etc.) and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Multiple studies have found that neurodivergent people are more likely to be gender diverse, non-heterosexual, or have non-traditional sexualities and relationship styles.
Higher Rates of Gender Diversity Among the Neurodivergent
A large study from the University of Cambridge found that gender-diverse individuals were three to six times more likely to have autism compared to cisgender people.Around 24% of the gender-diverse participants had autism, versus only 5% of cisgender participants.Other studies estimate that 3-9% of transgender and gender-diverse adults may be autistic.
Autistic children and adolescents are around four times more likely to be gender-diverse compared to their non-autistic peers.Up to 5.4% of autistic youth may be transgender or non-binary.
Increased Non-Heterosexual Orientations
The Cambridge study also revealed that autistic people are approximately eight times more likely to identify as asexual or "other" sexuality than non-autistic people. Autistic males were 3.5 times more likely to be bisexual, while autistic females were three times more likely to be lesbian.
Overall, research suggests over 69% of autistic individuals identify as non-heterosexual, compared to only around 4.5% of the general population.
Embracing Non-Traditional Relationships
There are also higher rates of non-monogamous relationship styles like polyamory and consensual non-monogamy in the autistic community. Autistic people may feel more open to exploring relationship structures outside traditional monogamous norms.
Theories on the Overlap
While the reasons are not fully understood, one theory is that neurodivergent individuals tend to be less constrained by societal norms and expectations around gender and sexuality. The alienation and societal marginalization they experience may make them more open to diverging from mainstream ideals.
Another view is that due to differences in how they experience and perceive the world, neurodivergent people simply have a more honest and uninhibited expression of their innate gender and sexual identities.
The Need for Understanding
Regardless of the reasons, the research clearly demonstrates a significant overlap between neurodiversity and LGBTQIA+ identities. This highlights the importance of greater acceptance, affirmation, and access to appropriate support for those navigating the intersection of these experiences. An increased understanding can help reduce stigma and create more inclusive spaces for embracing the natural diversity of human minds, genders, and sexualities.
There are several organizations and support systems in place specifically for neurodivergent individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+
Citations:
https://www.theswaddle.com/why-theres-more-gender-and-sexuality-diversity-in-the-neurodivergent-community
https://learnfully.com/the-link-between-neurodiversity-and-the-lgbtqia-community/
https://www.genderspecialist.com/blog/gender-sexuality-and-neurodivergence
https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/lgbtqia-neurodiversity-neurodivergent-lgbtq/
https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/largest-study-to-date-confirms-overlap-between-autism-and-gender-diversity/
Lists organizations like Kaleidoscope that provide affirming mental health services, social support groups, life skills coaching, and family education to support neurodivergent LGBTQIA+ youth and young adults.
Mentions that The Brain Charity has an LGBTQ+ representative working to make their services more inclusive for this population. They recognize the higher rates of LGBTQIA+ identities among the neurodivergent community.
The NHS Dorset website highlights resources like the Ambitious About Autism charity, which offers advice, blogs, videos, and articles on topics like coming out for autistic LGBTQ+ individuals. The Space Youth Project in Dorset also provides LGBTQ+ support groups.
Stonewall has a section on their website with resources for disabled and neurodivergent LGBTQ+ people, including career/education support, peer groups, mental health resources, and information on rights and advocacy.
Kaleidoscope is an organization specifically focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ neurodivergent and neurotypical youth/young adults through mental health services, social groups, life skills coaching, and family education. They have support groups for parents as well.
In summary, key support systems include LGBTQIA+ focused mental health counseling, social groups, life/career skills training, family education, and online resources tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals on topics like coming out, self-advocacy, and community connection.
Citations:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/heres-list-organizations-serve-neurodivergent-lgbtqia-bridgette-jdu5c
https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/lgbtqia-neurodiversity-neurodivergent-lgbtq/
https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/living/lgbtq/
https://www.stonewall.org.uk/young-futures/disabled-and-neurodivergent-lgbtq-support
https://www.kaleidoscopelgbtq.org