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Girls and Women with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Family Context: Co-occurrence of Gender
Dysphoria and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
1
Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
Submission date: 2025-05-15
Acceptance date: 2025-07-20
Online publication date: 2025-09-26
Corresponding author
Krystian Ferenc
Wydział Pedagogiki i Psychologii, Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego, Krakowska 11, 25-029 Kielce, Polska
Wydział Pedagogiki i Psychologii, Uniwersytet Jana Kochanowskiego, Krakowska 11, 25-029 Kielce, Polska
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Aim. The purpose of this thesis is to introduce readers to the characteristics of the female clinical profile of autism spectrum disorder, both the frequently co-occurring diagnoses of gender dysphoria and non-suicidal self-injury, in the context of the interrelation of these conditions determined on the basis of the scientific literature review conducted by the author. The clinical presentation of autism in girls and women differs from the commonly accepted profile. The family environment plays a crucial role in their functioning, influencing the diagnostic process, care, and support. The failure to recognise difficulties and the delayed diagnosis in females are associated with an increased risk of issues related to gender dysphoria and non-suicidal self-injury. The study also highlights the connection between family systems and the functioning of girls and women with ASD. Methods and materials. The article presents a theoretical approach based on an analysis of Polish and international source materials. Results and conclusion. The review suggests that there are some correlations among the areas of interest presented in the article. The presence of a gender dysphoria diagnosis increases the likelihood of self-injuries, and among individuals with ASD, the incidence of gender dysphoria is even higher. The psychological difficulties and burdens faced by women are reflected in their higher rates of reported self-injury compared to men, which is associated with the more frequent presence of gender dysphoria in females. Increased masking is associated with mental and physical health costs contributing to psychopathology and impacting family functioning.
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