Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults

by Finn V. Gratton

Providing advice on how professionals working with autistic trans youth and adults can tailor their practice to best serve their clients and how parents can support their trans autistic children, this book increases awareness of the large overlap between trans identities and autism.

By including chapters on gender diversity basics, neuroqueer trauma and how to support neuroqueer individuals, this book sets out strategies for creating more effective support that takes into account the unique experiences of trans people on the spectrum. Written by a therapist who identifies as neuroqueer, this book is the perfect companion for professionals who want to increase their knowledge of the experiences and needs of their trans autistic clients.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Queer, Nonfiction, LGBT, Disability, Psychology, Transgender

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2019

Reviews

[Daniel Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

while the book is targeted primarily toward (cisgender, allistic) professionals and family working with transgender autistic clients, it was great to read it as a trans autistic professional myself. It was wonderful to read something that was written from my own perspective that echoed so much of what I have been saying all along. It's a great read about how to make spaces and practices inclusive and how people may not recognize that they are working with transgender autistic clients (or family members) because the wide overlap doesn't always present how one might expect.
I wish this was required reading for everyone- not just people who feel like they SHOULD be reading it.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book bridges the experience gap between trans autistic people and cisgender neurotypical people while providing pragmatic accommodations for those who need it.

Review from an autistic trans woman.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing guide into care and support for trans and autistic people. Detailed and compassionate.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

IMO - this is the best book currently available on this topic. Must read for all therapists.

[Chris Sosa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic introduction for anyone with transgender autistic loved ones or professionals who serve this community. Finding resources that help neurotypical cis folks understand and connect with trans autistic experiences rather than starting from a place of pathologizing autism is tough. This book not only rejects such a framing but comes with the added bonus of the author's first-hand experience as a member of the community. You'll find practical advice, additional resources and a deeply positive approach rooted in empathy and equality throughout these pages. Thank you to Finn V. Gratton for providing a such a joyful and grounded book for those of us who want to better connect across the gaps in understanding each other.

[Beau Molnar · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF --an important book, generally speaking. I'm glad it exists. Also, the topic is very important to me, both as a person and in my practice. I am a psychoanalytically oriented therapist. The author's modality seems a far cry from how I think about therapy, and I know all the trans stuff already, so I did not get anything out of this book and decided to put it down 2/3 of the way through.

[Amy Liptak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finn Gratton has eloquently written from lived experience how important it is to thoroughly understand and have compassion for these often overlooked individuals and their families. The book provides practical information for professionals and for those who love trans autistic individuals, and guidance for how to best support them.

[Kacey M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aimed at cis professionals but does an excellent job of explaining the complexities involved for trans autistic people navigating the medical system without lessening any explanation of impact and responsibility that allies hold. Reading this book made me feel seen and helped me recognise what I look for in trusted professionals.

[Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was pretty well-done. An excellent resource for professionals and less knowledgeable families of autistic trans folks. I felt like there could have been some more nuance in discussing AMAB trans folks’ experiences with masking, struggling to find a diagnosis, etc.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great introduction to those that work with or love trans autistic people. The author comes from both their lived experience and from a research and pragmatic view point. I will be recommending it to clients.

[Geert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about a large variety of aspects of autistic transgender youth and adults. Provides deep insights but is also very practical.

[Sarah Fine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of invaluable insight, and it’s incredibly helpful and accessible.

I’m looking forward to revisiting this work, continuing to absorb more of its wisdom, and finding it a home on my future office bookshelf!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful guide book for working with this intersection of identities. Highly recommend.