Many autistic people also identify as LGBTQIA+. A recent study by the University of Cambridge has shown that autistic adults and adolescents are approximately eight times more likely to identify as asexual or describe their sexuality as ‘other’ than their non-autistic peers.

Some autistic people also have gender dysphoria (GD), which is when a person experiences distress when they identify with a different gender than the sex they have been assigned at birth. We don’t know the exact reasons for these differences so far and more research is needed in this area. 

People who are both autistic and identify as LGBTQIA+ are likely to experience a different journey to those who only belong to one or neither of these communities. Sadly, they may also face particular challenges, as there can still be a lot of stigma and discrimination, putting them at increased risk of mental and physical health difficulties.

As parents and carers, the most important thing is to accept our autistic family members as they are and embrace their differences, so that they feel safe and loved. 

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