There is a well-documented link between gender dysphoria and autism spectrum disorder, and a new study published in the academic journal Pediatrics offers evidence for it.

Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties in social communication and emotion processing, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. The latest paper incorporated an extremely large sample, consisting of over 919,000 adolescents between the ages of 9 and 18. It found that youth diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder were more likely to receive a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and that this is particularly true among girls.

Why is there such an overlap between the two conditions and especially among female adolescents?

First, autism is associated with masculinization of the brain, so it makes sense why girls with autism would lean toward being more male-typical.

Second, one of autism’s hallmark characteristics is a lack of conformity to social norms. As a result, those with autism tend to be more comfortable expressing gender nonconformity in their activities and outward appearance. This, in combination with other well-known symptoms, including rigidity and black-and-white thinking, can lead some to believe that if they have gender-atypical interests, they actually are the opposite sex or not their birth sex.

Girls with autism are more likely to be misdiagnosed or have their condition remain undiagnosed until later in life. This is because the diagnostic criteria for autism were based on what is typically observed in boys with the condition. Women are also more adept at hiding their symptoms, a phenomenon that is known as "masking," to blend in with their peers.

Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of autism is almost six times higher in children who are referred to gender clinics. In my opinion, the spike of girls seeking transition-related services reflects a cohort of autistic girls who either are undiagnosed or have fallen vulnerable to gender ideology.

Experts will cite the popularity of transition among girls as justification for reduced gatekeeping. I would argue instead for the importance of early screening of autism, and other mental health conditions, in children who are experiencing gender issues so that an accurate diagnosis can be made either way. In an ideal world, clinicians could also have discussions with their patients about what these diagnoses mean, particularly when interpreting feelings about one’s biology and identity.