Guide and Resources
The gender and autism project (GAP) group support guide was created to address the group support needs of youth at the intersection of autistic and gender diverse identities in order to improve their mental and physical health outcomes. Our team used community based participatory research methods to survey key community members (youth, parents, and healthcare providers) about the needs of autistic and gender diverse youth and conduct interviews of survey respondents to inform the content of this guide. A community advisory board of autistic and gender diverse youth, parents, and healthcare providers reviewed all project materials and contributed feedback to each phase of guide.
This guide is the product of a collaboration between the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNCCH Gender Equity and Wellness Initiative, TEACCH Autism Program, School of Education, and the Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute.
This work was funded by the UNC Autism Research Center through a Kelly Altman Greer Pilot Award.
Access the Guide here: GAP Group Support Guide and Resources
The following topics are addressed:
- Topic 1 Introduction
- Topic 2 Be You
- Topic 3 Coping Strategies
- Topic 4 Gender Expression – Internal
- Topic 5 Gender Expression – External
- Topic 6 Gender Affirming Healthcare
- Topic 7 Relationships & Coming Out
- Topic 8 Advocating for your Needs
- Topic 9 Safety
- Topic 10 Finding Your People
- Caregiver Group Facilitation