Awareness And Resources For Individuals Who Are Transgender With Autistic Spectrum Disorder- A Healthcare Professional's Perspective
 
Authors: Lauren Murphy 1, Anne Livesey 2
Affilliations: Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton1, Seaside View Child Development Centre, Brighton2
 
Background: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affected around 1% of the general population but has been reported in 7.8% of childhood gender identity clinic referrals. This study aims to assess healthcare professionals’ awareness of a co-occurrence between ASD and transgender, identify resources for this group and suggest improvements.   
Methods: A service evaluation of Sussex healthcare professionals who see individuals about ASD or gender identity was conducted. An anonymised online questionnaire was accessible from 6th January 2017 until 21st March 2017. Participants were contacted via NHS emailing lists. Quantitative data was collated as raw data and analysed using chi-x2 test or Fishers Exact test. Key themes were identified from qualitative data. 
Results: Fifty participants were included (n=50). Limited evidence suggests that many healthcare professionals were not aware of an association between ASD and transgender (27/50) and unsure of resources (27/50). Mental health services were significantly more likely to have been aware of co-occurring ASD and transgender (Chi-x2 = 11.0, p-value<0.001). However, they were not significantly more likely to identify resources (chi-x2 = 0.311, p-value<0.577). Few resources were identified. Most felt that training would improve care, with a focus on local community resources, referral pathways to specialist services, current research evidence and online resources. Mental health issues, family concerns, vulnerability and a lack of awareness were major concerns for individuals and their families.
Conclusions: Co-occurring ASD and transgender is under-recognised by many healthcare professionals. Few resources currently exist and future resources should focus on the specific needs and concerns of these individuals.

Awareness And Resources For Individuals Who Are Transgender With Autistic Spectrum Disorder- A Healthcare Professional’s Perspective

The Joint Annual Conference of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV & the Society for the Study of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Ireland