Our Providers
Our pediatric specialists provide personalized care for your child’s physical, mental and emotional health needs.
Contact Information
To inquire about our services or to schedule an appointment, call the Division of Neuropsychology at 301-765-5432 and select the option for the "Autism Clinic." Then let the scheduling specialist know that you are calling for the Gender and Autism Program. If you wish to schedule an appointment, you will be provided with an intake form (electronic or paper) so that you can let us know what services may be most helpful. When filling out the intake, make sure to check the box for the "Gender and Autism Program" under the question, "To which service were you referred?"
Gender and Autism Care
The Gender and Autism (and Related Neurodiversity) Program team at Children’s National supports gender-diverse and gender-exploring autistic youth—or youth with suspected autism—through evaluation, consultation and a specialized ongoing support program for youth and their families. We approach gender and autism care from the following perspectives:
- Each young person’s gender journey is individual
- There are many possible outcomes that can unfold over time
- Understanding a young person’s neurodiversity may be important for supporting their gender discernment and self-advocacy
- Although autistic gender-diverse and gender-exploring youth may face specific challenges, attention to strengths and resilience, as well as neurodiversity-affirming care, is key
We focus on helping young people with autism-related neurodiversity, such as with executive function and self-advocacy needs, while also supporting their gender discernment and support needs. Although all of the young people referred to our program are either seeking clarification around whether they are autistic or they are already diagnosed autistic, through our careful assessment process, some young people are not found to be autistic. Importantly, these young people may be neurodivergent in other ways, and we work to help youth and families get connected with appropriate supports and care based on their personalized profile (e.g., ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, prodromal schizophrenia).
What to Expect from Your Visits with Our Team
Typically, your visits with us will begin with an evaluation. This evaluation will address factors related to autism/neurodiversity, gender development and the potential intersection of the two. The evaluation will include interviews, questionnaires and other measures. The evaluation process is usually completed over 2-3 visits, the first of which may be several hours long. We work to match our evaluations to the specific needs of each young person and their family, and we aim for the process to be affirming and uplifting for everyone involved.
Based on what we learn from the evaluation, we will then work with you to develop a plan for supports, which typically includes some ongoing assessment over time, as well as participation in our youth (and separate parent) programs. In some cases, other referrals within our program may be discussed.
Gender and Autism Program
Family Navigator
For any questions about navigating care within our program, or for general questions about the Gender and Autism Program, you may call our Gender Program Coordinator at 202-476-5744 or email them. Let them know you are inquiring about the Gender and Autism Program.
Gender and Autism Research
The Gender and Autism Program has developed initial clinical guidelines for the support of gender spectrum autism spectrum youth.