Beyond the binary: An exploration of barriers to autism diagnosis among gender minority individuals

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Date Posted

Research Study Description

The purpose of this study is to explore diagnostic experiences of autistic gender minority people (e.g., people who identify as transgender, nonbinary, gender diverse, or another label). We are conducting this study because we are interested in hearing about challenges during the autism assessment process for transgender and gender diverse people, as well as aspects that were helpful. Our research team (Dr. Meredith Maroney at Double Rainbow Lab at University of Massachusetts Boston) has partnered with researchers Dr. Michael Parent and graduate student Lexie Wille from the University of Texas at Austin.

Study Participation includes:
-Brief screener to determine eligibility
-One virtual qualitative interview about your experiences with autism assessment

n order to participate, you must be:
A) 18+
B) Autistic (self-identification is okay)
C) transgender, nonbinary, or gender diverse
D) must not have a legal guardian who needs to provide consent
E) live in the United States or Canada, and
F) have accessed a formal assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD; you can participate if you participated but did receive an ASD diagnosis).

Organization and Contact:  The University of Massachusetts Boston (#3595) and the University of Texas at Austin (STUDY00004445) have approved this study.

For questions, please email: [email protected]

Study Link:  Please complete an online screener at this link: https://tinyurl.com/Beyondthebinary23