Background & Aims

Chronic pain during adolescence is a well-established, global health problem. However, little is known about the experiences of neuro- and gender-diverse youth with chronic pain. The co-occurrence of autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) and chronic pain is high (~56%), and youth with ASD are more likely to identify as gender diverse compared to neuro-typical peers. While prevalence of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth who experience chronic pain is largely unknown, persistent exposure to discrimination and marginalization TGD youth face theoretically places them at increased risk for chronic pain and toxic stress. Insufficient consideration is given to the intersectionality of gender identity, ASD, and pain. The present study examines lived experiences of TGD youth with ASD who experience chronic pain, with particular emphasis on the impact of intersecting identities on pain care and daily life.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with youth with chronic pain (N = 16) focusing on aspects of their identity and pain. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. To understand individual accounts of TGD, data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).

Results

Seven youth (Mage = 16) reported an ASD diagnosis and were included in the analyses. To date, data analysis has illustrated unique experiences of TGD youth with ASD, centered around their intersecting identities (gender, neurodiversity, chronic pain). Initial themes include: 1) lack of consideration of intersection of identities in pain care 2) interactions between sensory sensitivity and pain symptoms, and 3) need for providers educated in neurodivergence, and LGBTQIA+ identities. Full qualitative results will be included in the poster.

Conclusions

Neuro-and gender diverse youth face unique stressors and circumstances in the context of chronic pain. Understanding the experiences of these youth is essential to provide equitable, inclusive care. Research on the experiences of these youth can also inform needed education to providers and tailored support for youth.

References

Gabriella Jones, Vinay Shivamurthy, OA02?Paediatric chronic pain and Autism Spectrum Disorder: is there a link?, Rheumatology Advances in Practice, Volume 6, Issue Supplement_1, October 2022, rkac066.002, https://doi.org/10.1093/rap/rkac066.002

Bogdanova OV, Bogdanov VB, Pizano A, Bouvard M, Cazalets JR, Mellen N, Amestoy A. The Current View on the Paradox of Pain in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry. 2022 Jul 22;13:910824. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.910824. PMID: 35935443; PMCID: PMC9352888.

Boerner, K. E., Harrison, L. E., Battison, E. A., Murphy, C., & Wilson, A. C. (2023). Topical Review: Acute and Chronic Pain Experiences in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 48(12), 984-991.

Presenting Author

Lauren Harrison

Poster Authors

Lauren Harrison, PhD

PhD

Stanford University School of Medicine

Lead Author

E-mail

Ellison Choate

Stanford University School of Medicine

Lead Author

E-mail

Courtney W. Hess

PhD

Stanford University School of Medicine

Lead Author

E-mail

Nicole Jehl

BA

Stanford University School of Medicine

Lead Author

E-mail

Alexandra Neville

Stanford University

Lead Author

E-mail

Topics

  • Gender/Sex Differences