Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of the literature

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Glidden, D., Bouman, W.P., Jones, B.A. ORCID: 0000-0001-8872-5847 and Arcelus, J., 2016. Gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of the literature. Sexual Medicine Reviews, 4 (1), pp. 3-14. ISSN 2050-0513

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Official URL: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2015.10.003

Abstract

Introduction. There is a growing clinical recognition that a significant proportion of patients with Gender Dysphoria, have concurrent Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Aim. The purpose of this review is to systematically appraise the current literature regarding the co-occurrence of Gender Dysphoria and ASD.

Methods. A systematic literature search using Medline/Pubmed, PsycINFO and Embase were conducted from 1966 to July 2015.

Main Outcome Measures. A total of 58 articles were generated from the search. Nineteen of these publications met the inclusion criteria.

Results. The literature investigating ASD in children and adolescents with Gender Dysphoria have found a higher prevalence rate of ASD compared to the general population. There is a limited amount of research in adults. Only one study showed that adults attending services for Gender Dysphoria had increased ASD scores. Another study showed a higher proportion of atypical gender identity in adults with ASD.

Conclusions. Although the research is limited, especially with adults, there is an increasing amount of evidence that suggests a co-occurrence between Gender Dysphoria and ASD. Further research is vital for educational and clinical purposes.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Sexual Medicine Reviews

Creators:

Glidden, D., Bouman, W.P., Jones, B.A. and Arcelus, J.

Publisher:

Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the International Society for Sexual Medicine

Date:

January 2016

Volume:

Number: