Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sexual and Gender Expressions: Intersections and Rights

• Grant number: 25/08700-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: November 01, 2025
• End date: October 31, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Social Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Lemos de Souza
• Grantee: Marcus Vinicius Mazini dos Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Letras (FCL-ASSIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Assis. Assis , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research aims to understand and analyze the social and subjective intertwining of the experiences of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who identify as LGBTQIAPN+. It seeks to investigate the intersections between ASD and experiences related to gender and sexuality expressions, considering the influences of normativities, stigmas, and resistance that mark such trajectories. To achieve this objective, a qualitative methodology will be used, which will allow a close approximation to the ways of life, access to rights, and affective-sexual experiences of this population. As part of the research trajectory, a questionnaire will be developed and distributed to reach ASD and LGBTQIAPN+ people. After the initial contact, 6 participants will be selected for 1 focus group and 3 participants will be interviewed, aiming to map the life stories of these participants. The analysis of the data will be grounded in Content Analysis associated with theoretical contributions related to Sexual and Gender Diversity, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intersectionality from feminist and queer theoretical perspectives. Given the social scenario experienced by individuals with ASD and LGBTQIAPN+, it is expected to find data related to difficulties and vulnerabilities, as well as potential for building rights and access at micro and macro levels that provide a better quality of life for this population.