Anti-Trans Laws Are Targeting Autistic Youth and Those With Mental Health Conditions

Bridgette Hamstead

Across the United States, a disturbing trend is emerging as lawmakers push for policies that seek to limit access to gender-affirming care. Many of these bills specifically target transgender youth, but what is often overlooked is their disproportionate impact on autistic individuals and those with mental health conditions. The neurodivergent community, particularly autistic and ADHD individuals, is already marginalized within healthcare, and these restrictive laws further exacerbate systemic barriers to necessary medical support. As policymakers attempt to justify these measures under the guise of protecting children, they ignore the voices of trans and neurodivergent people themselves, medical experts, and the extensive research supporting gender-affirming care. The result is a harmful legislative push that strips autonomy from some of the most vulnerable individuals in our society.

Autistic individuals are significantly more likely to be transgender or gender-diverse compared to the general population. Research has consistently found a strong overlap between autism and diverse gender identities, with estimates suggesting that autistic people are three to six times more likely to identify as trans or nonbinary. Despite this well-documented reality, lawmakers have introduced bills that would specifically prevent autistic youth from accessing gender-affirming care, under the false assumption that they are incapable of making informed decisions about their identities. Some proposed laws suggest that autistic individuals are too "vulnerable" to fully understand their gender identity, implying that being autistic inherently invalidates one’s ability to self-determine.

This argument is rooted in ableism and ignorance, dismissing the autonomy of autistic individuals while failing to acknowledge that many trans autistic people experience a strong, intrinsic understanding of their gender from an early age. Autistic people often have a deep sense of self-awareness and are less likely to conform to societal pressures regarding gender roles. This challenges the common misconception that autistic individuals are simply being "influenced" into being transgender. Rather than assuming that autistic youth are incapable of making decisions about their identities, policymakers should be working to create an affirming healthcare system that recognizes and supports their needs.

Another alarming aspect of these proposed laws is the way they conflate transgender identity with mental illness. Some bills seek to bar access to gender-affirming care for anyone with a diagnosed mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety, which are common among trans and neurodivergent individuals due to societal stigma and lack of support. This approach ignores the well-documented reality that gender dysphoria itself is not a mental illness, but rather the distress that arises when a person’s gender identity does not align with their assigned sex at birth. Studies have shown that gender-affirming care, including puberty blockers and hormone replacement therapy, significantly reduces depression, anxiety, and suicidality among trans youth. Denying access to this care does not protect trans individuals—it directly contributes to worsening mental health outcomes.

The justification for these laws is often based on the claim that young people will "regret" transitioning, but this argument is not supported by evidence. Extensive research indicates that regret rates for gender-affirming care are extremely low, with studies consistently showing that the vast majority of trans people who transition do not regret their decision. In contrast, the harm caused by denying gender-affirming care is well-documented, with trans youth facing significantly higher rates of suicide attempts, self-harm, and psychological distress when they are denied access to medical and social affirmation.

Another troubling aspect of these policies is the increasing push to criminalize medical professionals who provide gender-affirming care, creating a chilling effect on healthcare access. By threatening doctors with legal consequences, many states are effectively driving trans-affirming providers out of practice or forcing them to stop offering essential care. This leaves trans youth and their families with fewer options, often requiring them to travel out of state or go without necessary medical support altogether. For autistic and disabled trans youth, who may already face difficulties accessing healthcare due to financial constraints, mobility issues, or lack of supportive caregivers, these additional barriers can be insurmountable.

The impact of these laws extends beyond medical care, reinforcing societal discrimination against trans and neurodivergent individuals. These policies send a clear message that the identities of trans and autistic people are invalid, further fueling stigma and social rejection. Many autistic youth already struggle with being misunderstood or dismissed by medical professionals, educators, and family members. Adding legal restrictions to their access to gender-affirming care only compounds these challenges, making it even harder for them to receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Advocacy organizations, medical professionals, and trans-led groups are fighting back against these harmful laws, emphasizing the right of trans youth to access affirming and life-saving care. The American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, and major psychological associations all support gender-affirming care as the standard of care for trans youth. Legal challenges are also being mounted to challenge the constitutionality of these laws, arguing that they violate basic human rights and equal protection under the law.

It is critical for neurodiversity and disability rights advocates to speak out against these attacks on trans and neurodivergent youth. The intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity is not a new phenomenon—it has always existed, and it is not a coincidence. The real danger is not gender-affirming care, but the increasing efforts to deny basic rights and autonomy to trans and autistic individuals under the guise of "protection." Rather than restricting access to care, we should be expanding affirming healthcare options, increasing education about the intersection of neurodivergence and gender identity, and ensuring that every young person has the ability to live as their authentic self.

Trans and neurodivergent individuals deserve dignity, respect, and access to the care they need. The fight against these harmful laws is not just a fight for transgender rights; it is a fight for disability justice, healthcare equity, and the right of all individuals to self-determination. It is imperative that we stand in solidarity with trans autistic youth, challenge these harmful policies, and continue advocating for a world where all neurodivergent people can access the medical and social support they need to thrive.