Key Takeaways
- Autigender describes how autism may shape gender identity.
- Autistic people may experience gender differently than neurotypical people. For example, they might explore different gender identities, feel neutral about gender, or experience discomfort with their assigned gender.
- If you’re autistic or unsure about your gender, support is available from mental health professionals who specialize in both autism and gender. A therapist can help you understand your unique journey.
“Autigender” is a term some autistic people use to describe a gender identity that feels connected to their autism. If you’re exploring this idea, it might mean your autism shapes how you understand or experience gender in unique ways. The term continues to evolve as more people share their experiences.
Remember, not all autistic people feel that their gender is tied to their autism. Gender is deeply personal, and everyone’s journey is different. Your experience is valid, and you deserve support. If you’re autistic (or think you might be) and have questions about your gender identity, it’s important to know you’re not alone.
Many mental health professionals specialize in supporting autistic and gender-diverse people and can offer understanding and guidance as you navigate your journey.
Autism and gender
Studies show a link between neurodivergence and gender diversity. For example, gender-diverse people are more likely to be autistic than people who identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. However, we’re not yet sure of the exact cause of this connection. It could be because neurodivergent people experience gender differently or feel less pressure to fit into traditional gender roles.
Research has also highlighted a relationship between autism and gender dysphoria. This means that some autistic people experience discomfort with their assigned gender. Being autistic can affect how someone understands and feels about their gender.
Autistic people may be more likely to:
- Explore different gender identities: They might feel less pressure to follow traditional gender roles.
- Feel neutral or apathetic about gender: Some autistic people may not feel strongly about being one gender or another.
- Experience gender differently: They might think about or understand gender in unique ways.
- Feel discomfort with their assigned gender: Some autistic people may feel unhappy or uneasy with the gender they were assigned at birth.
Not every autistic person feels this way, and autism isn’t a gender. However, it can influence how someone experiences and understands their gender, which is where terms like autigender come into play. Autigender helps describe how autism shapes the experience and expression of gender, making it a unique and personal journey.
Another term that may make sense to some is neuroqueer, which is similar to autigender but broader. It includes people whose gender is influenced by other types of neurodiversity, like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These terms show how neurodivergent people experience gender in ways that are shaped by their brains and sensory processing.
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Why autigender matters
Recognizing and understanding autigender matters because it validates the unique experiences of autistic people and creates a more inclusive world for everyone. By acknowledging autigender, we can support people in exploring their gender identity while challenging societal norms that don’t fit everyone. This understanding helps foster acceptance and respect for each person’s journey, ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and understood.
For autistic people, it’s important to know that your gender experience is valid, even if it differs from others’ expectations. Autigender allows you to explore and express your identity in ways that feel right for you.
For nonautistic people, it’s important to understand that autism can shape how some people experience gender. Being open to learning about autigender and offering support is key to respecting each person’s unique journey. Your understanding and respect can make a significant difference in helping people feel seen, heard, and accepted.
Unmasking your gender
Unmasking your gender is a personal and important journey. If you feel that the gender you were assigned at birth doesn’t match who you are, it might be related to autism. Autism affects how people see the world, sometimes including how they understand and express gender. Some autistic people don’t feel connected to their assigned gender because their experience of gender is different from what society expects.
Societal rules about gender can also lead to masking, which is when autistic people hide who they really are to fit in. These expectations can make it hard to express your true gender and cause many autistic people to act in ways that don’t feel natural.
If you’re feeling confused about your gender and/or think you might be autistic, there are some self-care strategies that can help, such as:
- Mindfulness: Practice staying grounded in the present moment to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
- Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings to help clarify your identity and process your emotions.
- Comforting activities: Engage in things like listening to music or moving your body to help you feel more authentic and at ease.
These strategies can be helpful, but they’re not a replacement for professional support. If you’re feeling confused about your gender and/or think you might be autistic, talking to a mental health professional who understands both autism and gender can help. They can guide you through understanding your feelings in a supportive way. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone — there’s support available to help you understand yourself better.
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If you’re autistic or think you might be, your experience of gender may be influenced by your autism. The term “autigender” helps describe how autism can shape how you feel about and express your gender, making your journey unique. Remember, if you’re feeling unsure or confused about your gender, support is available to help you understand yourself better.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 10,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
About the author
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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