Thematic Analysis of Personal Narratives Spoken by Autistic Adults of Underrepresented Genders

Abstract

Purpose: Underrepresentation of transgender men and women, gender-expansive people, and cisgender women in autism research has created barriers to appropriate, timely identification and supports that can improve quality of life. To address this need, this study investigated themes in spoken narratives produced by autistic adults whose genders are marginalized and compared them to those of cisgender men. These themes can provide insight into common topics among autistic narrators of diverse genders and dispel stereotypes based on previous research with cisgender men and boys. Method: Twenty autistic adults of diverse genders told stories about their personal experiences. Two stories from each participant were analyzed: (a) Interest, about something the participant really likes to do, and (b) People, about an experience they shared with others. Major themes and subthemes in the narratives were identified using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants of all genders described how their personal interests connect them to other people, even when not explicitly instructed to do so. Major themes in the People narratives included specific places and opportunities to help. Participants shared Interest stories about multiple facets of the arts. Subthemes of nature and history were common in both narrative tasks. Conclusions: Autistic participants, especially women, trans men, and gender-expansive people, consistently emphasized the importance of connecting with other people in their personal narratives. This finding challenges antisocial stereotypes of autistic people. Improved representation of trans and gender-expansive people and cisgender women in research can contribute to better services and supports for autistic people.