Autistic and Transgender People Face Unique Healthcare Challenges, UK Study Finds

The UK survey assessed rates of mental health conditions and physical health conditions, as well as the quality of 51 different aspects of healthcare experiences.

Navigating a healthcare system that feels like a maze. Now, imagine you’re autistic and transgender or gender-diverse (TGD). A new study from Cambridge University’s Autism Research Centre reveals that for these individuals, accessing quality healthcare can feel even more daunting.

This research, published in Molecular Autism, is the largest study to date on the intersection of autism, gender diversity, and healthcare. It found that autistic TGD individuals experience significantly poorer health outcomes and healthcare experiences than both their autistic and non-autistic cisgender peers.

The Cambridge team surveyed over 2,500 individuals, including 174 autistic TGD adults, 1,094 autistic cisgender adults, and 1,295 non-autistic cisgender adults. The participants provided anonymous responses about their mental and physical health, as well as their experiences with 51 different aspects of healthcare, ranging from communication with professionals to navigating the logistics of care.

Simple tasks like arranging appointments or understanding healthcare procedures were far more challenging for them (Freepik)

The findings are sobering. Across 50 out of the 51 items surveyed, autistic individuals (regardless of gender identity) reported worse healthcare experiences than their non-autistic cisgender counterparts. But the challenges faced by autistic TGD individuals were even more pronounced.

For example, only 10% of autistic TGD individuals said they understood their healthcare provider’s explanations, compared to 20% of autistic cisgender participants and 100% of non-autistic cisgender respondents. Similarly, autistic TGD individuals were three to 11 times more likely to report anxiety, shutdowns, and meltdowns triggered by common healthcare experiences.

The Double Burden

This research builds on earlier studies that separately highlighted the healthcare struggles of autistic people and TGD individuals. A 2020 study from the same Cambridge research team found that TGD people are more likely to have autistic traits than the general population. Other studies have confirmed that autistic people are disproportionately affected by gender dysphoria. What makes this new research so significant is its focus on how these two identities intersect.

Dr Elizabeth Weir, a postdoctoral scientist at the Autism Research Centre, and one of the lead researchers of the study, said:

“These findings add to the growing body of evidence that many autistic people experience unacceptably poor mental health and are at a very high risk of suicide-related behaviours. We need to consider how other aspects of identity, including gender, influence these risks.”

What Does This Mean in Practice?

The study paints a picture of systemic issues in healthcare for autistic TGD individuals. For instance:

Communication Barriers:Many participants struggled to understand their healthcare providers or articulate their own symptoms, such as describing the intensity of pain.

Access Issues:Simple tasks like arranging appointments or understanding healthcare procedures were far more challenging for autistic TGD individuals.

Mental and Physical Health Risks:Autistic TGD participants were more likely to report long-term health conditions, both diagnosed and undiagnosed, further complicating their care needs.

The findings also highlight the emotional toll of these challenges. Anxiety, shutdowns, and meltdowns were common responses to navigating healthcare systems that felt confusing or dismissive.

The researchers are calling for sweeping changes in how healthcare is delivered to autistic and TGD populations. This includes improving communication strategies, providing training for healthcare professionals, and designing systems that are accessible and inclusive.

Professor Simon Baron-Cohen, Director of the Autism Research Centre, says:

“We need to consider how to adapt healthcare systems and individual care to meet the needs of autistic transgender/gender diverse people. Policymakers, clinicians, and researchers should work collaboratively with autistic people to improve existing systems and reduce barriers to healthcare.”

A Glimpse of Hope

While the findings may feel disheartening, they also represent a crucial step forward. By shedding light on the experiences of autistic TGD individuals, the research provides a foundation for meaningful change.