Greater gender diversity among autistic children by self-report and parent-report.

This study looked at how 244 children aged 10-13 experience their gender identity, comparing autistic and non-autistic children. Autistic children were much more likely to identify differently from their assigned gender at birth, including identifying as the opposite gender or as neither male nor female. Parents of autistic children also noticed more signs that their child felt uncomfortable with their assigned gender. The research found links between different gender experiences and feelings of anxiety and depression.

This cross-sectional study examined gender diversity in 244 children aged 10-13 years, comparing 140 autistic children to 104 typically developing peers using both self-report and parent-report measures. Autistic children showed significantly higher rates of both binary gender diversity (identifying more with the opposite sex than assigned sex) and nonbinary gender diversity (identifying as neither male nor female). Parents of autistic children also reported more gender-body incongruence, with this being particularly pronounced for autistic females assigned at birth. The study found correlations between gender diversity profiles and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality, highlighting the complex mental health needs of gender-diverse autistic children.

Clinicians should be aware of increased gender diversity among autistic children and screen for gender-related concerns during assessments. Given associations with mental health symptoms, comprehensive support addressing both autism and gender identity needs is crucial. Parent education about gender diversity may facilitate better understanding and support.

Cross-sectional design prevents causal inferences. Sample size details not fully reported. Reliance on questionnaire measures may not capture full complexity of gender experiences. Age range limited to 10-13 years. No information provided about demographic diversity or recruitment methods.

Gender diversity broadly refers to the way in which an individual experiences (expressions and/or identities) their gender distinctly to that which would be expected based upon social norms for their gender assigned at birth. Recent research has shown a higher representation of gender diversity among autistic youth. Previous research in this area has relied on parent-report based on a single question from theItem-110, asking whether their child "Wishes to be the opposite sex." Thewere used to assess the experience of gender diversity in 244 children (140 autism spectrum disorder and 104 typically developing) between 10 and 13 years. The Item-110 was also collected.

Results showed that autistic children endorsed much higher rates of Binary Gender Diversity (less identification with their designated sex and more with the other binary sex) and Nonbinary Gender Diversity (identification as neither male nor female) than typically developing children. Similarly, parents of autistic children reported significantly more gender-body incongruence experienced by their child than parents of typically developing children. Specifically, parents of autistic females-assigned-at-birth reported significantly more gender-body incongruence than autistic males-assigned-at-birth. Parent- and self-report measures were largely related.

Moreover, statistical comparisons between and within the groups revealed associations between gender profiles and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and suicidality. Results extend previous reports showing increased rates of gender diversity in autistic children, now based on both self-report and parent-report, and highlight the need to better understand and support the unique and complex needs of autistic children who experience gender diversity.