Community conversation to explore neurodiversity and gender identity connection

Transgender and nonbinary people are more likely to have neurological differences such as autism or attention-deficit disorders compared to the overall population. A community conversation this week will explore the connection. 

Neurodivergent is a non-medical term for describing people whose brains function differently than most others. Studies have found that transgender and nonbinary people are three to six times more likely to be neurodivergent than the general population.

The event is hosted by PFLAG Winston-Salem and Kim Shufran, executive director of iCan House, which provides programs for neurodivergent children, teens and adults with autism, ADHD, anxiety and learning disabilities.

Shufran says in recent months she has been hearing from parents whose children are both neurodivergent and gender-questioning and didn’t know where to turn.

“We are here to help parents not be alone and to help parents learn how to support children, wherever they are in neurodiversity, or on the spectrum," she says. "And that includes gender spectrum and that also includes sexuality spectrum.” 

The community conversation will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Forsyth County Central Library, 660 W. Fifth Street.