Harmonizing Identities: A Scoping Review on Voice and Communication Supports and Challenges for Autistic Trans and Gender Diverse Individuals.

Abstract

Autistic trans and gender diverse (TGD) individuals face unique voice and communication challenges compounded by minority stressors, impacting wellbeing and access to care. Speech pathologists are crucial in providing gender-affirming and neurodiversity-affirming support; however, guidance for working with this intersectional population remains limited. This scoping review mapped current knowledge on voice and communication challenges, identifies available supports, and demonstrates the limitations of existing guidance for speech pathologists. This review draws on 40 sources, including 29 peer-reviewed articles, 8 clinical guidelines, 2 books, and 1 position statement, identified through comprehensive searches of databases such as CINAHL, ERIC, Medline, APA PsycINFO, and grey literature in May 2024. Findings indicated that 96.8% of identified challenges pertained to communication, while fewer (3.2%) focused on voice-specific issues. Similarly, supports primarily addressed communication (91.3%), with 8.7% targeting voice needs. Communication challenges included barriers faced by autistic TGD individuals and those interacting with them, including healthcare professionals, peers, and family. Supports were identified as strategies and resources to enhance service delivery and client wellbeing, such as using visual aids or offering multiple communication options. However, significant gaps remain in addressing the unique voice and communication needs of this population, particularly regarding voice dysphoria, camouflaging versus identity disclosure, and communication within healthcare settings. Autistic TGD individuals represent a unique population whose needs are not sufficiently addressed by current guidance. This review highlights significant gaps in research and clinical practice and calls for improved clinical guidelines and specialized training for speech pathologists to enhance care.