Exploring the Concept of Autigender: Understanding Its Place in the Autistic Community

Autigender is a relatively new concept that seeks to bridge the gap between autism and gender identity. This article delves into what autigender means, its acceptance or rejection by the transgender community, and how it reflects the understanding of both autism and gender.

What is Autigender?

Autigender is an attempt to describe a unique experience of gender identity that is influenced by autism. Individuals who identify as autigender often believe that their gender expression and identity are shaped, in part, by their experiences with autism. For many, this term provides a more accurate way to articulate their relationship with others and the world around them.

Acceptance in the Transgender Community

The concept of autigender has not been universally embraced by the broader transgender community. There are various reasons for this:

The term is not widely recognized or understood, leading to misconceptions. Some within the transgender community fear that associating autism with gender may stigmatize the autistic community further. Somewhat surprisingly, a portion of the autistic community may feel that the term invalidates their non-gendered identity.

Understanding the Relationship Between Autism and Gender

The relationship between autism and gender is a complex and evolving area of study. While there is no established causation, several theories suggest that poor social construct recognition, which is a hallmark of autism, may play a role in gender variance. According to these theories, individuals on the autism spectrum may perceive and experience gender differently from the general population.

Autigender acknowledges that the way a person with autism perceives and identifies with gender can differ from others, yet the core aspects of their gender identity are largely the same. Medical professionals now train transgender clinics to investigate the co-occurrence of autism, reflecting the growing recognition of this link. The understanding of this overlap between autism and gender is robust enough for medical professionals to take it into account when assessing and treating transgender patients.

Challenges and Misunderstandings

Despite its increasing acknowledgment, autigender faces several challenges:

Some people with autism may be offended by the link, fearing it may further stigmatize the autistic community. Transgender individuals may mistakenly perceive autigender as another invented gender identity, diminishing the authenticity of their own experiences.

It is crucial to recognize that the validity of autigender does not depend on the approval of the broader community. Autigender is a term used by individuals who have both autism and a variant gender identity to describe their lived experiences. While there is undoubtedly education and understanding to be gained, this does not invalidate the term or the experiences of those who use it.

Conclusion

The concept of autigender, while still evolving, provides valuable insights into the diverse ways that individuals experience and identify their gender. As with any new identity term, it is important to approach it with an open and inclusive mindset. Understanding and respecting the unique ways in which different individuals experience their identities is crucial to fostering a more accepting and empathetic society.