ASD and Gender Dysphoria: A Review of Challenges and Facilitators for Health Professionals

Abstract

Although the literature highlights a growing number of diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the rise in the number of referrals for gender dysphoria in specialized clinics, there is little data currently available on how to intervene with this clientele in health care settings having a comorbidity for these two diagnoses. The objective of this systematic review was to define the challenges encountered by various health professionals when intervening with individuals who present a comorbidity of ASD and gender dysphoria in comparison with neurotypical individuals with similar developmental gender characteristics. Four databases [Sociological Abstracts, EMBASE, PsycInfo (OVID), Academic Search Premier] were consulted with keywords such as "autism spectrum disorder", "neurotypical" and "gender dysphoria". From 5639 studies screened, 184 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility. A total of 25 articles were retained. The results show that individuals with gender dysphoria are at risk of developing psychological distress and that family and friends play a fundamental role in the support offered to them. Health professionals must adapt their approach according to the individual's unique profile, which is even more evident when intervening with individuals with an ASD because of their particularities. Health care professionals need to expand their knowledge on gender dysphoria in order to have a better understanding of the various challenges faced by these individuals, such as discrimination. By the same token, these results will help to shed some light on clinical interventions focusing on the unique profile of these patient in order to better address their particular needs.