Content
Autism and the Rainbow Spectrum explores the intersections of autism, gender, and sexuality, offering insights into the unique experiences of LGBTQ+ autistic individuals. Led by Emily Coombs, a queer and autistic PhD student, this session highlights how autistic perspectives can enrich our understanding of identity formation, self-expression, and social belonging within the LGBTQ+ community. Drawing from both academic research and personal narratives, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the diversity within neurodivergent and queer identities, as well as the importance of fostering inclusive spaces for marginalized voices.
This session will also discuss current research findings on gender and sexuality in the autistic community, as well as practical strategies for supporting autistic LGBTQ+ individuals in educational and community settings. Whether you're an educator, service provider, or simply interested in understanding these intersections, this session promises a thought-provoking and informative discussion on how the rainbow spectrum extends beyond just gender and sexuality to include neurodivergence.
Biography
Emily Coombs is a queer, Autistic PhD student in Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta. Her doctoral research focuses on exploring gender and sexuality from the perspective of Autistic individuals, using a community-based participatory research approach to ensure that Autistic voices and experiences are central. Emily's interdisciplinary work is informed by her counselling psychology background and commitment to evidence-based, inclusive research design.
Emily collaborates closely with Dr. Heather Brown, with whom she co-founded the Autistic Community Partner Collective for the Campus Belonging Study, aiming to create supportive environments for Autistic university students. Emily is affiliated with the University of Calgary and Victoria, fostering cross-institutional partnerships on autism and gender-related projects. Her work spans multiple academic disciplines, including feminist theory, LGBTQ+ studies, and neurodiversity, aiming to shape more inclusive scholastic practices and contribute to the broader discourse on Autistic identity and community belonging.
