Marianthi Kourti is an autistic non-binary scholar and professional currently working on their PhD at the University of Birmingham. They have spoken and published on the topic of autism and gender identity and organised a variety of workshops and other events on autism, gender and sexuality, including co-organising the Intimate Lives? Autism, Gender and Sexuality conference in 2018, which was the first conference to specifically focus on gender identity and autism.
This collection articulates -- with nuance, care, and determination -- the multi-faceted issues faced by autistic transgender people in accessing gender-affirming care. The authors host a robust discussion of autism and gender at the intersections of race and age. This volume is an essential resource for professionals in education, psychiatry, and medicine. -- Rua M. Williams, Assistant Professor, Purdue University I cannot emphasize enough how important this book is, particularly in centering the voices of autistic trans and gender diverse people, rather than allistic cisgender people speaking on their behalf. A must read for educators, therapists, health care providers, parents, and anyone else who engages with these populations. -- Dr. Shanna K. Kattari, Assistant Professor, University of Michigan School of Social Work and Director of the [Sexuality | Relationships | Gender] Research Collective This book is an excellent, inclusive and helpful resource on neurodiversity, gender diversity and intersectionality. Highly recommended. -- Yenn Purkis - autistic and non-non-binary advocate and author This is an excellent resource for professionals who work with all autistic people. As Kourti reveals, gender variance is far more common among autistic people so it's important to learn how to be safe for transgender and non-binary people. Academically rigorous, accessible to professionals from a variety of fields, and written by the leading experts: Autistic people themselves. -- - Maxfield Sparrow, editor of Spectrums: Autistic Transgender People in Their Own Words (Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2020) Parents and professionals need to listen to the voices of autistic transgender and non-binary people as well as the professionals who support them. We can then share the journey together with acceptance and authentication. -- Dr Tony Attwood, Minds and Hearts Clinic, Brisbane