Autism spectrum disorders in gender dysphoric children and adolescents.
Only case reports have described the co-occurrence of gender identity disorder (GID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study examined this co-occurrence using a systematic approach. Children and adolescents (115 boys and 89 girls, mean age 10.8, SD = 3.58) referred to a gender identity clinic received a standardized assessment during which a GID diagnosis was made and ASD suspected cases were identified. The Dutch version of the Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders (10th rev., DISCO-10) was administered to ascertain ASD classifications. The incidence of ASD in this sample of children and adolescents was 7.8% (n = 16). Clinicians should be aware of co-occurring ASD and GID and the challenges it generates in clinical management.
de Vries
Annelou L C
AL
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. alc.devries@vumc.nl
Noens
Ilse L J
IL
Cohen-Kettenis
Peggy T
PT
van Berckelaer-Onnes
Ina A
IA
Doreleijers
Theo A
TA
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology