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Understanding autistic LGBTQA+ young people’s experiences of trauma: An intersectional approach

Recent research has consistently found significantly higher rates of gender and sexual diversity reported in the autistic population compared to the non-autistic population, and higher rates of autism reported in LGBTQA+ populations compared to cisgender and heterosexual populations

Student

Larissa Marion

Supervisors

Dr Alix Woolard and Dr Penelope Strauss (The Kids Research Institute Australia), and Dr Iliana Magiati (The University of Western Australia)

Project description

Autistic and LGBTQA+ young people experience higher rates of exposure to traumatic events as members of marginalised groups. Recent research has consistently found significantly higher rates of gender and sexuality diversity reported in the autistic population compared to the non-autistic population, and higher rates of autism reported in LGBTQA+ populations compared to cisgender and heterosexual populations. Research investigating the intersecting identities of autism and diverse sexualities and genders is emerging and suggests that autistic LGBTQA+ young people are at increased risk of experiencing trauma, and also face additional barriers to obtaining appropriate support following trauma.

The aim of this project is to explore how autistic LGBTQA+ young people experience trauma with consideration to their intersecting minority identities. It also aims to examine how autistic LGBTQA+ young people currently receive support after experiencing trauma. This research is necessary to better understand autistic LGBTQA+ young people’s experiences of trauma and to inform interventions and services to better support this population.

Contact

For more information, please contact Larissa Marion via email at larissa.marion@telethonkids.org.au