Transabled and Transautistic: Is this really a thing?

Let’s talk about a couple of terms that have been stirring the pot lately: transautistic and transabled. You might have seen these floating around social media or even in some controversial news stories, but what do they really mean, and why do they matter?

Let’s break it down.

First I want to clarify a few terms.

Transautistic and self-diagnosed autistic are not the same.

• Self-diagnosed autistic refers to individuals who believe they are autistic based on their own research and understanding of autism but have not yet received a formal diagnosis from a medical professional. Many people self-diagnose because they see themselves in the descriptions of autism traits and may not have access to or trust in the formal diagnostic process. This is relatively common, especially in communities where autism awareness is growing, but access to professional assessments is limited.
• Transautistic, on the other hand, is a term used by some individuals who do not have autism but feel a deep identification with the experiences of autistic people. They might adopt certain behaviors or perspectives associated with autism because they feel a strong internal connection to what they perceive as the autistic experience.
• Trans Autistic, with a space in the middle, refers to individuals who are both autistic and trans. Early data shows that at least 20% of the trans community is autistic.

The key difference is that self-diagnosed autistic individuals genuinely believe they are autistic based on symptoms they experience, whereas those who identify as transautistic do not claim to have autism but feel a connection to the autistic experience.

The concept of being transautistic is much more controversial and is not widely accepted or recognized within the autism or broader medical community. It’s sort of like–these folks know that they’re not autistic, but they want to be autistic. Which is weird.

Is Transautistic a Thing?

The term transautistic is relatively new and hasn’t gained widespread recognition or acceptance. It’s often used by individuals who feel a strong identification with the experiences of autistic people, despite not being diagnosed with autism themselves.

This identification can stem from a belief that their internal experiences align more closely with those of autistic individuals, such as sensory sensitivities or difficulties with social communication.

While everyone can relate to certain aspects of autism—like feeling overwhelmed in social situations—this doesn’t make someone autistic. Autism is a neurological condition, not just a set of behaviors or feelings. So, claiming to be transautistic without a formal diagnosis raises concerns, especially within the autism community.

Transabled Meaning

Now, onto transabled. This term refers to individuals who feel that they should have been born with a disability and might even take steps to physically disable themselves. This might sound shocking—and it is.

Transability is often linked to a condition called Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID), where a person has an overwhelming desire to amputate a healthy limb or become disabled in some other way.

The desire to identify as disabled or to be disabled in some way is a psychological condition that is currently recognized in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) under BIID. It’s considered a mental health issue because it involves a significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.

Body Integrity Identity Disorder (BIID) is a rare and complex psychological condition where a person feels a strong, persistent desire to become disabled. This could involve wanting to amputate a healthy limb, becoming paralyzed, or being blind or deaf.

People with BIID often feel that one or more of their body parts don’t belong to them, or that they should have been born with a disability.

BIID is not well understood, and it’s classified as a mental health disorder because it involves significant distress and impairment in functioning. The condition can lead to dangerous behaviors, such as self-harm or attempts to disable oneself, which makes it a serious concern for healthcare professionals.

Treatment typically involves therapy to help manage the distress and explore underlying psychological issues, though there is no definitive cure.

The exact causes of BIID are not fully known, but it is believed to be related to a disconnect between a person’s physical body and their internal sense of how their body should be. This can create a deep and distressing conflict, driving the desire to alter the body to match the internal image.

Is Transabled a Mental Illness?

In short, yes, transabled is considered a mental health condition in the context of BIID. The DSM-5 does not officially recognize the term “transabled,” but it does acknowledge BIID, which closely aligns with the behaviors and feelings described by people who identify as transabled.

This condition is treated with caution and concern in the medical community because it involves self-harm and a deep psychological struggle.

The Harmful Trend

Here’s where things get tricky. When people start identifying as transautistic or transabled without a medical diagnosis, it reeks of appropriation of disability.

The disability community faces real, significant challenges daily—fighting for accommodations, dealing with societal stigmas, and navigating a world that isn’t built for them.

When someone claims a disability they don’t have, it minimizes the lived experiences of those who are actually disabled.

It’s a bit like someone claiming to be part of a culture they don’t belong to—they might have good intentions or feel a strong connection, but without lived experience, they can’t truly understand the struggles that come with it.

This trend can also distract from the real issues that people with disabilities face, like gaining access to necessary services, fighting discrimination, or being taken seriously in their needs.

What’s the Status in the USA and Globally?

In the U.S., these terms aren’t officially recognized in medical or psychological circles outside of the context of BIID. And globally, they aren’t gaining much traction either. Though the internet has a way of spreading these ideas quickly, so it can “feel” like it’s more prevalent than it is.

The focus remains on understanding and supporting those with legitimate diagnoses, rather than expanding definitions to include these self-identified terms.

So, Where Does This Leave Us?

The conversation around transautistic and transabled identities is complex and fraught with tension. On the one hand, everyone deserves to explore and understand their own identity.

On the other hand, it’s essential to recognize the impact of claiming an identity that isn’t yours to claim. The best way forward? Respect and support the disability community, listen to their voices, and focus on the real, tangible issues they face.

If you want to dig deeper into these topics or need support navigating any aspect of disability, my resources are here for you. There’s a lot to unpack here, so stay tuned!