"They Thought It Was an Obsession": Trajectories and Perspectives of Autistic Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adolescents.

Bradford et al. (2018) talked with six autistic transgender or gender-diverse teens for about two years. They asked how the teens saw their own gender path and what helped or hurt along the way.

The team met each teen many times. They wrote down stories, fears, and wins in the teens’ own words.

Over the 22 months, all six teens took more steps to live as their true gender. Four said their gender dysphoria eased. Two still felt stuck but saw small gains.

The teens said adults often called their identity an ‘obsession.’ Being heard by even one coach, parent, or clinician made the biggest difference.

Brunissen et al. (2021) asked parents of younger kids the same question. Their survey shows girls with autism display more gender-non-conforming play than boys. F et al. extend that picture into the teen years and add the youths’ own voices.

Sasson et al. (2018) looked at autistic adults. Trans and non-binary adults scored higher on cognitive autism traits yet lower on sensory pain. The teen stories in F et al. echo that mixed profile: deep thinking about gender but fear of loud, busy spaces when trying to express it.

O'Connor et al. (2024) pooled 29 studies of autistic girls and women. The top harm they named was ‘stigma in a world not built for us.’ F et al. give a live example: adults labeling gender exploration as obsession. The papers align; they just use different methods.

If you assess or treat autistic teens, ask about gender early and plainly. Use the teen’s chosen name even if parents hesitate. Note that sensory-friendly spaces make it safer to talk. One supportive adult can cut through years of feeling ‘wrong.’ Your session can be that space.