Associations Between Negative Social Experiences and Depressive Symptoms in Autistic Sexual and Gender Minority Youth

Autistic lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) youth are at increased risk for negative mental health; however, no known studies have examined associations between specific social experiences and psychological distress within this group. The current study examined the effects of gender minority status and sexual minority status on negative social experiences (peer victimization and low degrees of authenticity) and depressive symptoms among autistic transition-aged youth, and explored whether associations between negative social experiences and depressive symptoms differed across gender/sexual identity.

Autistic youth (N = 203) between 15 and 26 years of age (mean = 18.69, SD = 2.58) were recruited through research registries. Youth and parents completed questionnaires, and youth participated in an interview. Biological sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation were collected from youth. Responses were coded into 3 gender/sexual identity groups: cisgender heterosexual (sex and gender match, heterosexual; n = 126), cisgender sexual minority (sex and gender match, sexual minority; n = 59), and gender minority (sex and gender do not match; n = 18). Youth questionnaires included measures of peer victimization, degree of authenticity when interacting with others, and depressive symptoms.

Peer victimization and authenticity did not differ across gender/sexual identity groups; however, gender minority youth reported greater depressive symptoms than cisgender heterosexual youth. Higher frequencies of peer victimization and lower degrees of authenticity were associated with depressive symptoms. The effects of peer victimization and authenticity on depressive symptoms were amplified for gender minority youth compared to cisgender heterosexual youth.

The current study demonstrates how certain social experiences negatively affect the psychological well-being of autistic youth, especially those who identify as gender minorities.