Autism and LGBTQ+ identities

Research shows that autistic people are more likely to identify as LGBTQ+ compared to the general population. Some studies have suggested that more than double the percentage of autistic people identify as non-heterosexual than their neurotypical peers. 

That's the good news. Engaging communities exist for those who are both autistic and LGBTQ+. 

Check out our Finding your community page for suggestions. 

But living life as both autistic and LGBTQ+ can lead to compounded discrimination and misunderstanding.

For instance, compared with straight, cisgender autistic adults, research has found that LGBTQ+ adults experience significant health disparities, including less access to services from medical providers. 

We also know that transgender and gender-diverse individuals are more likely to be diagnosed with autism and are more likely to have other mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD. Sadly, LGBTQ youth who diagnosed with autism have shown over 50% greater odds of attempting suicide compared to those who had never been diagnosed with autism.

Autism Speaks is committed to changing this and creating an inclusive world where all individuals with autism, including those in the LGBTQ+ community, can thrive. You can join us: 

• Become an Autism Friendly Ally and show you are committed to promoting autism acceptance and building community with autistic people. 

• Become an Autism Advocate and work to influence policy with Congress, the White House, state legislators, agencies and regulators. Our advocacy protects the rights, services and supports of people with autism.

Below are resources to support LGBTQ+ autistics, their loved ones, clinicians who care for them and all allies. 

The Trevor Project

Saving LGBTQ Lives, The Trevor Project is a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth. 

It Gets Better

The It Gets Better Project’s mission is to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth around the globe. 

Human Rights Campaign

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest LGBTQ advocacy group and LGBTQ political lobbying organization in the United States. 

National Center for Transgender Equality

The National Center for Transgender Equality is the nation's leading social justice advocacy organization winning life-saving change for transgender people. 

GLSEN

GLSEN is an American education organization working to end discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression and to prompt LGBT cultural inclusion and awareness in K-12 schools. 

Trans Lifeline

Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community. 

Additional LGBTQ+ resources and support

• LGBTQ+ Resources | Autism Speaks
• Finding your community | Autism Speaks