Affirmative neuropsychological practice with transgender and gender diverse individuals and communities

Abstract

Objective: To provide guidance and resources on how to practice culturally safe and humble neuropsychology with transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and communities. Methods: We gathered a multidisciplinary team of clinicians with relevant professional and/or lived experience to review pertinent literature, discuss important concepts, and identify key resources. From this process, we outline practical steps to advance gender affirmative neuropsychological practice. Results: Professional awareness and knowledge regarding how to gather context-relevant, gender identity information is critical. TGD individuals form a heterogenous group; a one-size-fits-all approach is not adequate. It is incumbent upon neuropsychologists to engage in clinical and research practices in a manner that does not perpetuate gender minority stress and trauma. Creating an open, safe environment of care requires intentionality and careful thinking to determine what information is relevant for a particular referral question. We provide recommendations and resources for neuropsychologists. Conclusion: When neuropsychologists are proactive, responsible, and intentional, they can better provide individualized, person-centered, and trauma-informed care to TGD individuals.

Keywords:

• Transgender
• gender diversity
• affirmative neuropsychological practice
• cultural neuropsychology
• minority stress
• intersectionality
• equity

Acknowledgments

We acknowledge all TGD clients with whom we have worked and thank them for elucidating ways in which clinical neuropsychology continues to invalidate their personal experiences. We apologize for our mistakes, and we strive to do better.

All Authors contributed equally and are presented in alphabetical order, with TGD authors listed alphabetically first, followed by cis authors listed alphabetically. ORCiDs are also included in this manuscript as they are an essential way of ensuring authors retain credit for their work even after name changes.

Erica Anderson’s pronouns are she/her. Jacob R. Eleazer’s pronouns are he/him. Zoë Kristensen’s pronouns are she/her/ia. Colt M. St. Amand’s pronouns are he/they. Abigail M. Baker’s pronouns are she/her. Anthony N. Correro II’s pronouns are he/him. Maria Easter Cottingham’s pronouns are she/her. Kate L.M. Hinrichs’s pronouns are she/her. Brett A. Parmenter’s pronouns are she/her. Julija Stelmokas’ pronouns are she/her. Emily H. Trittschuh’s pronouns are she/her.

Disclaimers

No funding. No conflicts of interest. The views and opinions expressed herein are not meant to be taken as official policy of any of the authors’ affiliated institutions, including the Department of Veteran Affairs.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.

Notes

1 Examples include: being misgendered by providers and staff, providers referring to patients using pejorative language, being harassed about identity by providers, being offered referrals for conversion therapy, or being outted as transgender in waiting areas