By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Introduction
In recent years, some have speculated that there is a causal link between neurodivergence (such as autism) and being transgender. While studies indicate that autistic individuals are more likely to be transgender compared to neurotypical individuals, this does not mean one causes the other (Warrier et al., 2020).
This false belief is not only scientifically inaccurate but also dangerous. It contributes to misinformation, invalidates transgender identities, and fuels discrimination. As a therapist specializing in neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ populations, I’ve seen how this myth creates unnecessary barriers to care and leads to trauma.
This article will explore why this belief is harmful, what the current research actually says, and why we must affirm both neurodivergent and transgender individuals.
The Origin of This Misconception
Some studies have reported a higher prevalence of autistic traits among transgender and gender-diverse individuals compared to cisgender populations (Warrier et al., 2020). However, correlation does not equal causation.
Several factors may explain this overlap:
Neurodivergent people may be less influenced by societal gender norms, allowing them to explore gender more freely (Strang et al., 2022).
Autistic individuals often experience heightened self-awareness, which may help them recognize their gender identity earlier than neurotypical peers (van der Miesen et al., 2018).
Historical bias in research—Many past studies failed to account for external pressures, stigma, and discrimination, leading to flawed conclusions (Ashley, 2021).
The assumption that autism causes transgender identity is not supported by scientific evidence. Instead, it reinforces harmful stereotypes and denies transgender individuals autonomy over their identities.
The Harmful Impact of This Myth
Believing that being transgender is a result of neurodivergence rather than an innate identity has serious consequences.
1. It Invalidates Transgender Identities
The idea that autism or ADHD "confuses" individuals into being transgender implies that their gender identity is not real or valid. However, studies show that transgender individuals, including neurodivergent ones, are just as confident in their gender identity as cisgender individuals (Strang et al., 2022).
Rejecting a transgender person's identity under the guise of "protecting them" is deeply harmful. Dismissing someone's gender identity as a “symptom” of autism or ADHD is a form of gaslighting that contributes to mental health struggles.
2. It Leads to Medical Gatekeeping
Some medical and mental health professionals wrongfully delay or deny gender-affirming care for transgender individuals with autism or ADHD (Ashley, 2021). This can include:
Refusing to provide gender-affirming hormones or surgeries
Requiring additional assessments and waiting periods
Treating neurodivergence as a barrier to informed consent
Delaying gender-affirming care can increase gender dysphoria, depression, and suicidal ideation (van der Miesen et al., 2018).
3. It Increases Mental Health Risks
Transgender individuals already face higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation due to discrimination and lack of access to care (APA, 2024).
For neurodivergent transgender individuals, these risks are even greater because they often experience:
Increased social isolation
Difficulty accessing affirming therapy and medical care
More frequent misdiagnosis and pathologization of their identity
A study in Autism found that autistic transgender individuals who receive gender-affirming care experience significantly better mental health outcomes than those who do not (Strang et al., 2022).
What the Research Actually Says
Many experts have publicly rejected the idea that neurodivergence and being transgender are causally linked. Here’s what the research actually tells us:
Transgender identity is not a symptom of autism or ADHD.
Research confirms that transgender people, including those who are autistic, have just as stable gender identities as their neurotypical counterparts (Strang et al., 2022).
Neurodivergent people are more likely to question societal norms—including gender.
Autistic individuals, for example, may feel less pressured to conform to traditional gender roles, leading to more open gender exploration (Warrier et al., 2020).
Medical gatekeeping is not evidence-based.
The American Psychological Association (APA) has stated that denying gender-affirming care based on neurodivergence is unethical and harmful (APA, 2024).
The Importance of Affirming Care
Research shows that affirming transgender identities—regardless of neurodivergent status—improves mental health outcomes and overall well-being (Ashley, 2021).
What Affirming Care Looks Like:
✅ Recognizing that transgender identity is real and valid, regardless of neurotype
✅ Providing gender-affirming medical care without unnecessary barriers
✅ Allowing neurodivergent individuals to express gender in ways that feel right for them
✅ Rejecting outdated, pathologizing views of gender diversity
For transgender individuals, having their identity respected and supported is a key factor in mental health and quality of life (van der Miesen et al., 2018).
Conclusion
The claim that autism or ADHD causes transgender identity is a dangerous and unfounded myth.
🚫 It is not backed by scientific research.
🚫 It invalidates transgender identities.
🚫 It contributes to unnecessary medical gatekeeping.
🚫 It increases trauma and mental health risks.
✅ Transgender identity is real. Neurodivergent transgender people exist and deserve the same respect, care, and affirmation as anyone else.
As a therapist, my priority is to support and affirm both neurodivergent and transgender individuals without pathologizing their identities. If you are neurodivergent and transgender, you are valid, and your experiences are real.
If you are struggling, seek out affirming therapy, supportive communities, and trusted healthcare providers.
References
Warrier, V., Greenberg, D. M., Weir, E., Buckingham, C., & Smith, P. (2020). Elevated rates of autism, other neurodevelopmental and psychiatric diagnoses, and autistic traits in transgender and gender-diverse individuals. Nature Communications.
Strang, J. F., Meagher, H., Kenworthy, L., de Vries, A. L. C., & Pervez, N. (2022). The lived experience of gender dysphoria in autistic adults: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Autism.
American Psychological Association (APA). (2024). APA Policy Statement on Affirming Evidence-Based Inclusive Care for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Nonbinary Individuals, Addressing Misinformation, and the Role of Psychological Practice and Science.
Ashley, F. (2021). A critical commentary on ‘rapid-onset gender dysphoria’. Sociology Review.
van der Miesen, A. I. R., Hurley, H., de Vries, A. L. C., & Wensing-Kruger, S. A. (2018). Psychological functioning in transgender adolescents before and after gender-affirming hormone therapy. Pediatrics.
By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, NCC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics
Specializing in Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy & LGBTQ+ Mental Health
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