Constructing the Autistic-Transgender Intersection: A Critical Discourse Analysis

Researchers increasingly report a statistical intersection between autism and transgender (trans) identities. Claims about this estimated relationship have recently proliferated within and beyond scientific research, particularly amidst escalating political struggles over the rights and recognition of trans people. Our study critically analyses discursive patterns among these claims to investigate how and to what effects diverse actors construct the intersection of autism and trans identities. We qualitatively analysed a purposive sample of 30 texts, including psychological research, clinical literature, news and opinion articles, state legislation, activist materials and autistic trans individuals' published narratives. We propose that claims about the autistic-trans intersection can be understood through four discursive types: psychiatrisation, repressive protection, medical management and affirmation and reclamation. These types represent differently patterned ways of (1) explaining medical vs. social 'causes' of the intersection and (2) legitimising versus delegitimising autistic trans identities, with each type promoting distinctive medical, cultural and political practices as responses. In this case study, we present the autistic-trans intersection as a site at which social actors with varied political aims and differential access to power reproduce and resist normative systems of gender and ability, pursue varied processes of de/medicalisation and negotiate expert knowledge and uncertainty.