Considerations for Expanding Research and Clinical Care for the Neurodivergent Gender Diverse Population

Little is currently known about the relationship between gender diversity and neurodiversity, although a growing body of researchers and clinicians are searching for more information to better serve this population. Gender -diverse individuals are three to six times more likely than cisgender individuals to identify as autistic or to report possible undiagnosed autism or autistic traits. Many gender -diverse individuals experience a shortage of gender -affirming medical care and are disproportionately impacted by barriers to mental health services. Similarly, autistic individuals report that the most common barrier to care is a lack of knowledgeable providers and/or resistance from providers to tailor care toward their specific needs. Two key areas in need of further research are 1) clinical approaches to gender -affirming medical and mental health care for neurodivergent patients and 2) the prevention and treatment of suicidality in genderdiverse neurodivergent individuals. Increasing collaborations amongst gender -diverse neurodivergent individuals, researchers, and clinicians are needed in order to further research and clinical practice to most directly and effectively improve physical and mental health care for the gender -diverse neurodivergent patient population.