Date Presented 03/22/24
A survey of recommendations to support participation for LGBT+ autistic adults indicates the need to hire and promote LGBT+ autistic people, create sensory-friendly spaces, streamline accommodations, and require training for mental health providers.
Primary Author and Speaker: Elizabeth Schmidt
Additional Authors and Speakers: Jess Marie Cecília Bauza De Garcia
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine recommendations for community inclusivity for LGBT+ autistic adults, which is necessary to address social isolation, under- or unemployment, and barriers to education.
DESIGN: This study utilized an exploratory research design with 107 LGBT+ autistic adults in the U.S.
METHOD: A survey was developed from a qualitative study and included questions on demographics, community participation, and identity development. Recruitment materials were shared on social media and organizations specific to LGBT+ autistic people. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS: Participants were primarily 20-29 years, white, nonbinary, and queer. Participants recommended hosting events in sensory-friendly spaces (61%) with signs and badges indicating a safe zone (53%). Participants reported virtual interviews (41%), limited bright lighting (53%), and written instructions (61%) were most important for job accessibility. Participants indicated having LGBT+ autistic coworkers (53%) and seeing them in positions of power (53%) enhanced workplace safety. Most important to the community was flexibility at school (59%) and anti-discrimination policies (69%). LGBT+ autistic adults reported alternative attendance (61%) and flexible funding options (64%) and access to neurodivergent- (71%), queer-affirming providers (61%) were needed for improved mental healthcare. Participants emphasized the importance of embracing their identities socially (62.6%) and increased representation (58%) on positive identity development.
CONCLUSION: Administrators and educators should hire and promote LGBT+ autistic people, develop sensory-friendly and welcoming spaces, and streamline accommodations. Healthcare providers should undergo queer- and neurodivergent-affirming training.
IMPACT STATEMENT: The recommendations are critical to creating inclusive and accessible participation for autistic LGBT+ adults.
References
Doyle, N., McDowall, A., & Waseem, U. (2022). Intersectional Stigma for Autistic People at Work: A Compound Adverse Impact Effect on Labor Force Participation and Experiences of Belonging. Autism in adulthood: challenges and management, 4(4), 340–356. https://doi.org/10.1089/aut.2021.0082
McQuaid, G., Weiss, C. H., Said, A. J., Pelphrey, K. A., Lee, N. R., & Wallace, G. (2022). Increased Perceived Stress is Negatively Associated with Activities of Daily Living and Subjective Quality of Life in Younger, Middle, and Older Autistic Adults. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/93xn4
Strauss, P., Cook, A., Watson, V., Winter, S., Whitehouse, A., Albrecht, N., Wright Toussaint, D., & Lin, A. (2021). Mental health difficulties among trans and gender diverse young people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD): Findings from Trans Pathways. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 137, 360–367. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.03.005
