Understanding the lived experiences of youth with chronic pain who are neuro- and gender-diverse.

OBJECTIVES Pediatric chronic pain is a global health problem associated with psychological comorbidities and declines in functioning. Recent research indicates a large number of autistic youth experience chronic pain, and a significant number of autistic youth identify as gender-diverse. While the exact prevalence is unknown, there is growing recognition that a number of youth with chronic pain identify as gender-diverse. To date, little is known about the experiences of youth with these intersecting identities. This study sought to understand the lived experiences of youth with chronic pain who identify as gender-diverse and autistic.

METHOD Semistructured interviews with youth with chronic pain who identified as gender-diverse (N = 6) and self-reported the identity of autism were conducted to understand the individual, lived experiences of these youth. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

RESULTS Interpretative phenomenological analysis produced four group experiential themes consisting of nine personal experiential themes. Group experiential themes included: The compounding impact of identities, wrestling with labels, health care as a maze to be navigated, and the impact of society as the additional identity in the room.

CONCLUSIONS Youth with chronic pain who are autistic and gender-diverse experience unique stressors in the context of their identities. Understanding the experiences of these youth is essential for providing equitable and inclusive pain care. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).