Pride Series Part 3: Gender Diversity and Neurodivergence

Words on image read "There is no one way to be yourself - and that is your strength" with a rainbow infinity symbol

June is a time for celebration, reflection, and visibility—especially for those living at the intersection of neurodivergence and gender diversity. At NeuroEmpowered, we want to shine a light on a topic often overlooked: the strong correlation between neurodivergent identities and diverse gender experiences.

🌈 The Link Between Neurodivergence and Gender Diversity

More and more studies, community voices, and personal stories are highlighting what many have long known: neurodivergent people are more likely to explore, question, or identify outside of the gender binary.

Whether someone identifies as transgender, non-binary, agender, genderfluid—or simply doesn’t feel like they fit within conventional gender boxes—this experience is disproportionately common in the neurodivergent community.

• A large study by Warrier et al. (2020) found that autistic people are between 3 to 6 times more likely to identify as transgender or gender-diverse.

• Research published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders (Strang et al., 2018) noted that over 20% of autistic young people in their study identified outside of the gender binary.

• Studies in ADHD populations have also shown a higher likelihood of gender diversity and LGBTQ+ identification.

  
  

This overlap isn’t a coincidence. It’s a reflection of how neurodivergent minds often challenge assumptions, see the world through a different lens, and question the "rules" others may accept without thought.

⚠️ The Pressure to Mask, Conform, or Stay Silent

For those who live at this intersection, life can feel like a constant negotiation:

• “Will I be seen as too much if I express myself fully?”

• “Do I have to choose between being accepted for my neurotype or my gender?”

• “If I disclose one part of who I am, will people judge the rest?”

Many neurodivergent gender-diverse people report high levels of misunderstanding, medical bias, and mental health struggles—not because of who they are, but because of how systems treat them.

Masking—already exhausting for neurodivergent people—becomes even more emotionally draining when layered with gender-based invisibility. It’s no surprise that this population is at greater risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidality, and is frequently underserved by both neurodivergent-specific and gender-affirming services.

This is why affirmation matters. It’s why inclusive spaces matter. It’s why visibility, especially during Pride Month, is so important.

💬 What Can We Do?

• Listen to lived experience. Read stories, follow creators, and centre the voices of neurodivergent trans and non-binary people.

• Challenge binary assumptions. Gender and neurodivergence are both complex. Embrace nuance. Accept that not everyone will experience or explain things in the same way.

• Use inclusive language. Let people tell you their name, pronouns, and labels (or lack thereof)—and respect them.

• Be an ally. Whether you’re neurotypical or neurodivergent yourself, remember that community means uplifting and advocating for others, especially those more marginalised than you.

  
  

🧡 At NeuroEmpowered…

We support self-exploration, authenticity, and empowerment. Many of our resources—like our mental health and self-advocacy guides—can support people navigating questions around identity, inclusion, and intersectionality.

We’re also working to amplify underrepresented voices, provide free downloadable resources, and encourage a culture of shared lived experience—because representation changes everything.

If you’re a gender-diverse neurodivergent person, or you care about someone who is, please know: You are valid. You are not alone. And your story matters.

🌈 Visit our resource library to explore free guides and strategies for wellbeing, identity, and resilience.

🧡 With care - The NeuroEmpowered Team