BackgroundEvidence that autism often manifests differently between males and females is growing, particularly in terms of social interaction and communication, but it is unclear if there are sex differences in restricted and repetitive behaviours and interests (RRBIs) when rigorously focusing on the narrow construct level (i.e., stereotyped behaviour, restricted interests, insistence on sameness, and/or sensory experiences).MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and four random effects meta‐analyses investigating sex differences in narrow construct measures of RRBIs in autistic children, adolescents, and adults (Prospero registration ID: CRD42021254221). Study quality was appraised using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale.ResultsForty‐six studies were narratively synthesised and 25 of these were included in four random effects meta‐analyses. Results found that autistic males had significantly higher levels of stereotyped behaviours (SMD = 0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.09, 0.33], p < .001) and restricted interests (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI [0.07, 0.29], p < .001) compared to autistic females. In contrast, there were no significant sex differences for sensory experiences (SMD = −0.09, 95% CI [−0.27, 0.09], p = .32) and insistence on sameness (SMD = 0.01, 95% CI [−0.03, 0.05], p = .68). The findings from the narrative synthesis were generally consistent with those from the meta‐analyses and also found qualitative sex differences in the way RRBIs manifest.ConclusionsOur findings show significant differences in narrowly defined RRBIs in males and females. Practitioners need to be aware of such differences, which could be contributing to the under‐recognition of autism in females and may not be captured by current diagnostic instruments.
Aims:This review aims to identify and explore the specific beliefs that influence children and young people’s (CYP’s) attitudes towards the transgender population.Method:A systematic review of the literature was undertaken and a total of 14 studies were included in the review. The review included studies from the United States, Europe, and Asia. Each study was appraised using Gough’s (2007) Weight of Evidence Framework and awarded a quality assurance rating of low, medium, or high quality.Findings:The review identified three sets of beliefs that appear to influence CYP’s attitudes towards the transgender population: Heteronormativity, conservatism and gender essentialism. Gender differences in beliefs were found to influence attitudes towards the transgender population as a whole and towards Male-to-Female (MtF) individuals and Female-to-Male (FtM) individuals.Limitations:The key limitation within this review is that the mechanisms through which beliefs influence CYP attitudes are hypothetical. Further insight using qualitative approaches would deepen the understanding of the underpinnings of attitudes towards the transgender population, particularly transprejudice. A variety of measures were used across the included studies which limits the comparability of the finding and conclusions drawn.Conclusions:This review identified three sets of beliefs that influence attitudes towards the transgender population. These beliefs represent a traditional, binary model of gender that contrasts with the experiences of gender-diverse populations. A more inclusive model of gender is proposed whereby acceptance, diversity and belonging are promoted.
AimWith the visibility of transgender individuals increasing, together with the awareness of associated challenges, it is important that research looks to understand the experiences of this population. This study explores the views and experiences of transgender pupils attending secondary school, with a focus on the factors participants report to support or hinder overall positive school experiences.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 transgender participants aged 11–16 years and data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.FindingsThe overarching theme ‘acceptance and validation’ was developed as the central thread to all participants’ views and experiences. Five main themes were also created: seeking acceptance and validation; receiving acceptance and validation; active rejection and invalidation; passive rejection and invalidation; and consequences of rejection and invalidation.LimitationsThe sample includes a low representation of lower secondary school aged youth and trans females, and participants who were receiving charitable support.ConclusionsParticipants appeared willing to risk what belonging they have experienced trying to ‘fit in’ and conform to cisnormative expectations, taking the journey to embody their authentic selves in the hope of finding genuine belonging in a typically cisnormative world. It is important that youth across the gender spectrum find belonging in truly inclusive school environments; implications for policy makers, schools, and educational psychologists are discussed.
Research indicates there is a gap between teachers’ positive beliefs about LGBTQ+ inclusive education and how they demonstrate this in practice. Teachers often feel limited in their capacity to implement inclusive practices, constrained by dominant heteronormative narratives in schools. Through a three-stage thematic synthesis approach, a review was conducted to explore: what can teachers do to challenge heteronormativity? The developed themes indicate that teachers can work strategically within their community context, integrate non-normative representations throughout the curriculum, role model inclusivity and acts of social justice, and facilitate a co-constructive. learning environment. These themes are discussed in the context of facilitators and barriers around LGBTQ+ inclusive education, leading to a discussion of implications relevant to educators across a range of settings. This review was conducted by a doctoral student, referred to henceforth as the researcher, under the supervision of two tutors from the same University. This review was conducted by a doctoral student, referred to henceforth as the researcher, under the supervision of two tutors from the same University.
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