“Today’s episode explores the significant mental health challenges faced by autistic individuals who are also transgender or gender-diverse. The author of the source article, Dr. Jaime Hoerricks, introduces the concept of “double masking,” where individuals camouflage both their neurodivergence and gender identity to navigate a hostile world. Dr. Hoerricks argues that this constant suppression of authentic selfhood stems from systemic pressures and results in severe psychological burdens, including anxiety, depression, and burnout. They critique traditional mental health systems for their failure to understand and affirm these intersecting identities, often leading to misdiagnosis and harmful interventions. Ultimately, Dr. Hoerricks calls for a shift towards identity-affirming spaces and systemic change that honor the complex humanity of autistic trans people, advocating for liberation over assimilation.”
Here’s the link to the source article: https://open.substack.com/pub/autside/p/invisible-twice-the-mental-health
Let me know what you think.
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