The Impact of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy on Identity in Autistic Adults
For many autistic adults, finding a cohesive and stable sense of identity, especially occupational identity, is a significant part of their life journey. A recent study, which examined the experiences of transgender and gender-diverse autistic adults receiving gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), offers important insights into the connection between this therapy and these feelings. Hormone therapy allows individuals to align physical characteristics with their gender identity.
The study, published in the Aust Occup Ther J in October 2026, aimed to deeply understand how hormone therapy enables transgender autistic adults to achieve a sense of occupational identity. The study included in-depth semi-structured interviews and Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) assessments with six transgender autistic adults undergoing hormone therapy. It is important to note that the study sample is relatively small, therefore the findings are preliminary and require further research in larger groups.
The findings indicate that hormone therapy significantly improved participants' quality of life, mental health, and sense of occupational identity. Physical changes that affirmed their gender identity increased their engagement in occupations and roles associated with their gender, strengthening their sense of belonging and identity.
However, the study also highlighted the unique challenges faced by transgender autistic adults during this process. These challenges include navigating medical and social environments, difficulties with Sensory Processing and Executive Functioning, social stigma, and often receiving fragmented care. It appears that being both transgender and autistic simultaneously presents additional obstacles in performing tasks related to hormone therapy.
In conclusion, the study shows that for transgender autistic adults who choose medical transition, gender-affirming hormone therapy can be a crucial occupation that enables the acquisition of a cohesive occupational identity. These findings emphasize the potential for integrating occupational therapists into gender-affirming care settings to improve the care provided to patients and help them overcome unique challenges.