Gender Dysphoria in People with Autism: A Qualitative Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Gender Dysphoria in Individuals with Autism: A Qualitative Study Using Grounded Theory
IRAS ID
202771
Contact name
Rachel S Coleman-Smith
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Sheffield
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 2 days
Research summary
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) are rare conditions. GD is characterised by distress that accompanies the incongruence between one’s experienced or expressed gender and one’s assigned gender. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by impaired social interaction and communication, and by restricted and repetitive behaviour, interests or activities. A growing body of research describes the co-occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and gender dysphoria (GD) and reporting a high prevalence of Autism among gender identity clinic patients. Deficits in the literature regarding the sexual and gender concerns of people with ASD mirrors the continued marginalisation of their needs by services, the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual community and society.
This qualitative study aims to understand how ASD and GD relate from the perspective of the individual, and also the role of interpersonal relationships in experiences and understanding of GD. This will be done by conducting semi-structured interviews with individuals with ASD and GD. A modified, social constructionist version of Grounded Theory will be employed.
REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EM/0132
Date of REC Opinion
9 May 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion