What does sex and gender have to do with Autism?
It is widely acknowledged that sexuality, gender, and autism exist on a spectrum. However, the perspective of the heteronormative and neurotypical majority differs significantly from that of the autistic community. While the majority culture tends to adhere to binary concepts (e.g., male vs. female), the queer and autistic communities embrace a more fluid approach and celebrate nonconformity. For instance, the saying "you meet one autistic person, you've met one autistic person" highlights the unique nature of each individual. Similarly, the "gender unicorn" recognizes the complexity and diversity of gender. Recent research has shown that autistic individuals are 8 times more likely to identify as queer or gender non-conforming, underscoring the need for greater understanding and inclusivity (Weir, 2021).