You ever notice how some scientific findings get everyone whispering, while others get buried under the noise? This one definitely falls into the first category. A few years ago, researchers found that people who identify as transgender or non-binary are more likely to also be on the autism spectrum—or show traits associated with autism—than the general population.
Now, before anyone gets defensive or starts building conspiracy walls out of red string and push pins, let’s slow down. This isn’t about blame, politics, or anyone’s identity being “caused” by anything. It’s about science doing what it’s supposed to do: noticing patterns and asking, why might that be?
The study came out of Anglia Ruskin University in the U.K., led by psychologist Steven Stagg. He and his team looked at a group of transgender and non-binary participants and found that around 14% had an autism diagnosis. Another 28% scored high enough on autism screening tests that they might meet the criteria if evaluated further. That’s a lot higher than what you’d see in the general population, where autism diagnoses hover somewhere around 1 to 2%.
Most of the difference, interestingly, came from people who were assigned female at birth. That’s important because women and girls are often underdiagnosed with autism—partly because the symptoms can look different from how they appear in men, and partly because medical research has a long history of studying mostly men. (It’s 2025 and we’re still catching up on that one.)
So what could explain the overlap? There are a few theories, and no single one has been proven. Some experts think it has to do with brain development and how certain neurological traits—like rigid thinking or intense self-focus—might make someone more likely to question social norms, including gender. Others say it’s more about environment and self-awareness. If you already see the world differently, you might be quicker to notice when something about your assigned role doesn’t fit.
Of course, there are critics who say the medical community is too quick to link everything to biology. Some mental health professionals argue that labeling everything as “a condition” risks pathologizing normal human diversity. On the flip side, ignoring possible neurological connections doesn’t help either—especially when people need support that’s specific to their experiences.
Here’s what matters most: transgender and autistic people both face higher rates of misunderstanding, discrimination, and mental health struggles. Studies show higher levels of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts among these groups. So whether the overlap is biological, social, or both, the takeaway shouldn’t be fear—it should be compassion and better care. Doctors, teachers, and parents can do a lot by just listening instead of assuming.
Science doesn’t have a neat answer yet, and maybe that’s okay. Humans are complicated. We’re mixtures of genes, hormones, experiences, and stories we tell ourselves. Every study is just one puzzle piece, and this one reminds us that identity—like the human brain—isn’t simple or predictable.
And if that makes you uncomfortable, good. Growth usually does.
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