The research is being led by Daniel Marden, Senior Lecturer in Learning Disabilities, working with expert by experience, Lorne Power, who has explored the experiences of marginalized intersectional groups. Further work will be undertaken to ensure professionals are aware of the needs of particular groups within health, care and education.

The study has shown trans adults with intellectual difficulties or autistic adults reported a wide range of negative experiences both in healthcare settings, and in the broader community.

Daniel spoke about the existing evidence he has reviewed. ‘Evidence suggests there is more information on autism than intellectual disabilities. For people with intellectual disabilities, sexual and gender identity were conflated,’ he said.

‘Evidence has also found there are shared experiences within both groups including double marginalization and often mis-gendering. Services can be challenging and ill-equipped, and people within these groups have difficulties in communicating with service providers, which we are aiming to improve.’

Findings from the research has also found that the impact of having an intellectual disability and identifying as transgender on social experiences is generally negative. Autism and gender are felt to interact in various ways by people with autism. Reported experiences of support are valuable but rare and with autism in general, but not always, found to negatively impact belonging, acceptance, and living their experienced gender in society.

Researchers continue to develop this work and by working with experts by experience and developing training within healthcare and educational settings.

Daniel Marsden has recently been approved as an Oliver McGowan Mandatory Learning Disability and Autism Training Tier 2 trainer. Daniel will be leading the cascade of the Oliver McGowan Training for Kent and Medway ICB and intends to undertake a research evaluation of its implementation at Canterbury Christ Church University.

The University is hosting online talks this month which will explore the health, wellbeing and medical experiences of parts of the LGBTQIA+ communities.