Colorado Health Clinic Hosts Drag Story Hour for Children with Autism: Report

A Colorful Story Hour for Autistic Children

A Colorado health clinic that works with autistic children recently hosted a Drag Story Hour that was filled with excitement and entertainment. The event featured “age appropriate” performances by five talented drag artists.

The Daily Signal was the first to report on this unique event organized by Seven Dimensions Behavioral Health. This state-licensed day treatment program specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In May, the clinic sent an email to parents, inviting them and their children to attend the Drag Story Hour on June 10.

The email, addressed to “7D Families,” enthusiastically promoted the event at the Evergreen Clinic. Parents were asked to fill out a permission form if their child wanted to participate in this exciting experience.

“This drag story hour will include a mix of captivating stories, engaging activities, and age appropriate performances by five talented drag artists,” the email stated. The performers, known as Sunni Delight, Brennan Sexyback, August Celestial, Jaques Strapp, and JustinN’Out, were ready to entertain the children.

The email further detailed the activities planned for the event. “There will be three enchanting stories and two fun activities: Auntie Uncle-Drag Queen Here, The Girl Who Thought In Pictures, If You’re a Kid Like Gavin, Parachute party, and freeze dance. The parachute party involves a rainbow parachute that the kids can hold onto, making it go up and down. They can also go under the parachute while the RBTs wiggle it for them,” the email explained.

RBTs, or Registered Behavior Technicians, are certified professionals who provide direct, one-on-one therapy to children with autism using ABA therapy.

The national parental rights group Parents Defending Education (PDE) obtained a copy of the email and expressed their concerns. PDE President Nicole Neily told The Daily Signal, “Rather than upholding its oath to ‘do no harm,’ this clinic is betraying the trust of families in need who have come to them for help. It is unconscionable that medical providers would target programming at a vulnerable population.”

PDE took action by submitting a public records request to Jeffco Public Schools in Jefferson County, Colorado, to investigate the clinic’s formal agreement with the district. The Daily Signal reported that a contract does exist between the two institutions, which will end on June 30, 2023.

“The contract states that their payment for ‘special educational and related services in Out-of-District placement’ is ‘not to exceed $250,000 for all Orders in any Contract Term,'” the outlet revealed.

Exploring the Connection Between Autism and Gender Dysphoria

Children and adolescents on the autism spectrum are disproportionately represented among those claiming to be transgender. Several studies have linked Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and transgender identities, with rates of autistic traits ranging from 5% to 54% among individuals with gender dysphoria.

Researchers believe that the percentage of young girls with autism who experience gender dysphoria may be even higher, as many females with autism go undiagnosed. Autism was traditionally considered a “boy’s diagnosis,” but experts now recognize that girls’ autistic traits may present differently, requiring separate diagnostic criteria.

Data from the now-closed Gender Identity Development Service (GIDS) at the U.K.’s Tavistock Centre revealed a significant overrepresentation of autistic adolescents among referrals to the clinic. Pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass conducted a review of the services provided by the National Health Service to investigate this rise in referrals from biological girls seeking gender clinics.

In March, The Daily Caller News Foundation reported a concerning link between children with autism and the transgender population. Research showed that individuals identifying as transgender are three to six times more likely to be autistic.

Dr. Susan Bradley, a Canadian psychiatrist with decades of experience working with gender dysphoric children, expressed her concerns about the exploitation of high-functioning autistic children. She believes that some medical professionals may be convincing these children that they are transgender without proper evaluation.

Christina Buttons contributed to this report.

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