People with both Aspergers (ASD) and GD.

[Anonymous]

Hi Angie,
Yes I am one, infact I was the one that told my psychologist that this is the case. I have seen journal articles, being a health professional myself, they is easy to access.
I have no doubt that the 20% figure you talk about is but the tip of the iceberg. The older you become the less the traits are obvious, so many people may not beware of their own circumstance. In my case I had to learn to be social, I was a very shy lad and this made it worse….leading to becoming self conscious and became a loner for many of my formative years. Eventually I broke through and then came out but it was a real battle of my mind.
Happy to chat..
Alana

[Adrian]

I’m not sure how clinically valid this web page is, but it certainly points to a growing awareness of a coupling between the two diagnoses.
https://autismawarenesscentre.com/autism-transgender-gender-dysphoria/

HOWEVER
Can we please be very careful about quoting figures like 20% and assuming they must apply to the general population.
Most statistics for the gender diverse population are heavily skewed by the way the transgender subjects are recruited. For example in the web page I read there is a quote:

Quote:

“Between 8 and 10 percent of children and adolescents seen at gender clinics around the world meet the diagnostic criteria for autism

That does NOT mean that 10% of gender diverse people have autism. The statistic only applies to those [people who at some point pass through a gender clinic. Most researchers use data from gender clinics as it is easy to collect but it reflects only a small percentage of the GD population. It probably includes a greater number of people who need significant assistance on their journey for whatever reason.

Anecdotally, over 20 years I have met and know a lot of trans people – most of whom have never been near a gender clinic in their life and many of whom are clearly gender dysphoric. Whilst I agree that there are plenty of examples of trans people who display some symptoms of Asbergers there is no way that 1 in 5 of my contacts can be classified in that way. The true statistic is much, much lower.

I’m happy to be proved wrong when over 60 TgR members respond to this thread in the affirmative saying they have some symptoms of Asbergers. Holding my breath…..

[Anonymous]

There are so many variables in the spectrums for both Autism and TG…so it would be very hard to prove either way so no argument from me. AS I said before though, people grow out of many of the traits of Aspergers and therefore could never be diagnosed formally anyway.

[Deleted User]

You make some very good points, and yes I should be more careful about percentages. Of the literature I have seen (which there are quite a few research papers) there are strong overlaps in the two spectrums however a number of these results are likely to be affected by selection bias. There also appears to be slightly different data between those with GD being assessed for ASD and those with ASD being assessed with GD. I really haven’t seen much of a broad population cohort study, although I note that these are quite hard to undertake. Using the cohort of people in the organisation that I work, which has a large percentage of people on the ASD spectrum (their scientists), the identifiable and potentially identifiable people who are or may be also on the GD spectrum appears quite low anecdotally. I’d love to try a population study across the organisation to see how the results actually land.

One interesting additional element of data coming through on the ASD spectrum is the chronic under assessment of females. Early literature talked about a 4 to 1 male:female ratio, however current knowledge puts this much closer together. An interesting aspect of this is that it is being seen by some that the diagnostic assessment tools need to be slightly different between the genders. In my own case, I scored better taking the female assessment than the male assessments however noting that these assessments are subjective to a degree.

Being on both spectrums, the issues of my life are shared between the two neurological states (according to both of my psychologists). Yes, I have 2 psychologists one specialising in each neurological state. I also no longer use the word condition. Being an aspie is a gift, and despite the social challenges associated with it, I wouldn’t give it up if it were possible. I was diagnosed quite late, only a few years ago, yet it was clear from my grade-1 school report card that I had ASD (sadly it wasn’t well known back then some -43 years ago).

The best psychological advice I received from both specialists was that I needed to become genuine to myself and others. This is what finally led to my acceptance to commence transitioning. And now I’m so much happier.

Angie.

[Anonymous]

Hi Angie,
I agree, the traits I/ you retain are a gift; I learnt to work around the traits I found less favourable. Working around the traits is quite exhausting, however brain plasticity is all about practise and as I understand that science I am encouraged. I recent wrote to Prof Tony Attwood, a renown expert on spectrums of Autism. Here is what he wrote as a reply…
Dear Alana

Thanks for the message and apologies for the delay in replying. There is an increasing recognition of a link between Autism Spectrum Disorder and people who are transgender. I recently spoke to the team at the Brisbane Transgender Clinic at the Lady Cilento Hospital and they reported a significant increase in the number of referrals of children and adults with diagnosed and undiagnosed ASD seeking guidance on changing gender. The reasons for being transgender are many, but you are correct in identifying an increasing trend.

Best Wishes
Tony
Professor Tony Attwood

The lesson of being genuine to one’s self is difficult when you have lead a life of secrecy. However with great friends and psychologists I too transitioned into a public life of being me, and had my Sexual Reassignment Surgery only late last year.
Yes I am happy in my new body living the life I dreamt. I still deal with the almost five decades of silence and self rejection and that has an enormous cost (the negative side of brain plasticity is that my amygdala has become well wired to fear responses, constant stress is my companion and is increasing my allostatic load).
I am so thrilled to see young ones transition with the support of family, friends and teachers. It is my duty to advocate to smooth the path for others and offer kindness, compassion and insight.
Thankyou for your insight, knowledge and well written letter Angie. I think it would be an interesting night having a conversation with you
kindest of regards,
Alana