A number of studies have shown that autistic people are significantly more likely than the general population to identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender diverse or queer. Therefore the intersection with Autism shapes the life experience of many LGBTQ+ people.
Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that is often misunderstood. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, interacts with others, and experiences their environment. People on the autism spectrum have a lot of strengths and often find richness in having an alternative perspective on life. Essentially, an Autistic person perceives, understands and communicates differently to non-Autistic people. For most, it means working harder to adapt to and function within a neurotypical world. Autistic people have a lot of strengths and often find richness in having an alternative perspective on life.
As well as children being diagnosed with Autism, many people who did not have this available to them as children are now being diagnosed as adults.
Autism sits under the neurodiversity umbrella along with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other conditions. Some people experience more than one of these conditions.
Aspect has been involved in key LGBTQ+ events such as Mardi Gras and Wear it it Purple Day. We are keen to work with Aspect to make our events as inclusive and comfortable as possible for Autistic members of the community. Our events have been an important way for rainbow families to connect with each other. It is important for us to also explore other ways to support Autistic people to make connections with each other, and with the Rainbow Families community generally.
Rainbow Families has started a new private Facebook group for neurodiverse families. It embraces neurodiversity more generally and extends to neurodiverse adults, parents of neurodiverse children and those who support them. We hope that it will grow into a safe, nurturing space to share experiences and make connections.
Join the Facebook group here
