We are so excited to be presenting a workshop from the Gender Wellness Initiative's Gender Resource Specialist, Oomiya Kawas for Parents, Adults with autism and youth ages 16 and older. Gender, like autism, exists on a spectrum.
Gender identity and sexuality are more varied among autistic people than in the general population, and autism is more common among people who do not identify as their assigned sex than it is in the population at large — three to six times as common. Gender fluidity, not conforming to the expected social norms for the assigned sex at birth, sets youth up for discrimination and bullying.
Adults, children and teens who express or identify their gender differently from their sex designated at birth are more likely to experience prejudice and discrimination. These experiences may create stress that is harmful for their mental health and physical well being. Individuals who are transgender or nonbinary are three times more likely to experience depression, self harming behaviors and suicidal thoughts. Clearly, as parents we need to know more and learn how to support our children as they grapple with their gender identity. May is Children's Mental Heath Month.
Click here to join us next Tuesday evening to learn more and discuss with others how to help.
Kris & Sue
