This June, NWABA celebrates Pride Month, honoring the diverse identities within our families, employees, and clients. We recognize the important intersections between the LGBTQ+ and Autism communities, acknowledging the unique experiences of individuals who navigate both. Intersectionality examines how various social categories, such as race, gender, religion, and health status, interconnect and impact our lives. It highlights the different ways people may experience discrimination and oppression simultaneously. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. By understanding and embracing these intersections, we promote acceptance and empowerment within our communities.
In the NWABA community, we work with intersecting identities daily and acknowledge the importance of educating ourselves on different lived experiences. Research tells us that autistic people are more likely to fall into the LGBTQ+ community than non autistic counterparts (The Trevor Project ). This research also emphasizes the importance of care which seeks to understand the full person and not autism in isolation. We believe in compassionate and evidence based care which sees the individual not “just” the autism diagnosis.
Check out below some discussion topics and resources on the intersection between Pride and Autism.
- How can healthcare providers improve meeting the needs of Autistic LGBTQ+ individuals ?
- What are helpful things classrooms can do to support an autistic child in the LGBTQ+ community? How can educators create environments that are welcoming and inclusive for all students, regardless of their identities?
- What are some other intersections an autistic person can fall into? How might factors such as race, gender identity status intersect with autism?
Sources:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/research-briefs/mental-health-among-autistic-lgbtq-youth-apr-2022/
Resources:
A look at being Autistic and Trans