Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum condition: the development of gender identity

There is a paucity of research into how gender identity develops, particularly in those with gender dysphoria (GD) and autism spectrum condition (ASC).

This study aimed to explore how gender identity develops in assigned males with GD and ASC. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data from eight interviews. Seven main themes were identified: narrative, relational, paradoxical, experience, media, identity, and ASC.

Findings suggested participants equate gender identity with biological sex, therefore not open to external influence. Isolation may drive their desire to transition genders, and the media was used to understand GD. Participants related to the genders through gender stereotypical interests, and it appeared their gender identity had been influenced by their experiences of cismales and females. However, there appeared to be a paradox between how participants perceived females, and what it meant for them to be female. Participants identified ASC largely did not affect their gender identity development.