Community Participation Supports for LGBTQIA+ Autistic Adults in the United States

Elizabeth K. Schmidt, PhD
Lincoln Memorial University

LGBTQIA+ autistic adults experience disparities in education, employment, and social settings. People with multiple marginalized identities experience additive effects of stigma and discrimination; however, a new study offers recommendations for combatting these issues.

The LGBTQIA+ Autistic Research Collective (LAUREL) conducted a large, mixed-methods study with LGBTQIA+ autistic people participating in interviews, focus groups, and surveys. Participants reported that accessibility, representation of diversity, and connecting with others through shared interests supported their community participation.  Everyone should work to promote a positive culture and the representation of diversity in their environments and to simplify the procedures for requesting accommodations.