New York based psychotherapist Laura A.
Jacobs, LCSW, and coauthors from New York University and private practice, conducted
a study to explore the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
characteristics on individual gender identity, expression, and the process of
psychotherapy; as transgender and gender nonconforming people who fulfill
diagnostic criteria for ASDs often present to mental health providers with
concerns that are distinct from those without ASDs.
Past
studies have shown that Gender Dysphoria (GD) and ASDs share etiologic
mechanisms. Also, there is evidence that ASDs may be more common in transgender
and gender nonconforming people.
Autism
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder typically characterized by impaired social and communication skills combined with repetitive movements.
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The authors presented two case studies of high-functioning individuals with diagnoses of ASD and GD diagnoses. They found that the limited ability to articulate an inner experience, deficits in Theory of Mind (ToM), along with the intolerance of ambiguity as a manifestation of the cognitive rigidity characteristic of ASDs, may present special difficulties to gender identity formation and consolidation and create challenges in providing psychotherapy to such individuals.
The authors concluded that ASDs do not preclude gender
transition and that individuals with high-functioning ASDs are capable of
making informed decisions regarding their medical care and life choices. The
authors have also suggested possible challenges and techniques for assisting
such clients in exploring their gender identities.
![Autism Spectrum Disorder Costs Almost $2.4 Million Per Patient]( "Autism Spectrum Disorder Costs Almost $2.4 Million Per Patient")
A study recently researched the economic impact of autism spectrum disorders.
"While much has been written recently on the co-occurrence of GD and ASDs, few case histories or papers discussing treatment have been published to date, gaps that this article addresses," says Editor-in-Chief William Byne, MD, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
Source: Medindia
Autism Spectrum Disorder Costs Almost $2.4 Million Per Patient
A study recently researched the economic impact of autism spectrum disorders.
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"While much has been written recently on the co-occurrence of GD and ASDs, few case histories or papers discussing treatment have been published to date, gaps that this article addresses," says Editor-in-Chief William Byne, MD, PhD, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
Source: Medindia
Expert Tips to Parents for Children With Autism - Q&A With Child Specialist
On the eve of World Autism Day Dr. Anjana Thadhani, Consulting Developmental Pediatrician says parents and home based program are the backbone of effective treatment plan for children with autism.
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 Quiz on AutismIntroduction Autism spectrum disorder is a complex genetic disorder that impairs social, behavioral, and communication functions in humans. Autistic people may act, communicate, interact, and learn differently than most other people. ASD usually begins in childhood and can last for the rest of a person's life, though symptoms may improve over time . This quiz on ' Autism | Advertisement
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