A long-awaited review by consultant paediatrician Hilary Cass into the NHS’s gender services for children calls for a dramatic shift in the type of treatment offered to children and young people with gender dysphoria.
The report proposes that instead of being offered mainly medical treatment, young people referred to NHS gender services should “receive a holistic assessment of their needs to inform an individualised care plan”, meaning that questions of gender identity should be treated alongside other possible mental health concerns.
It found that a medical pathway, such as puberty blockers, would not necessarily be the best option for children with gender dysphoria, and should not be provided “without also addressing wider mental health and/or psychosocially challenging problems”. The review suggests this “should include screening for neurodevelopmental conditions, including autism spectrum disorder, and a mental health assessment”.
@ISIDEWITH7mos7MO
What are your thoughts on the proposal that not all children experiencing gender dysphoria should receive medical treatments like puberty blockers?
@9LGCB8Q7mos7MO
I think that gender affirming care should be allowed at a certain age. Some kids might be going through different phases in their lives, and they're not 100% sure. For some, it could be something very serious. Before medical procedures/treatments, I think that children experiencing gender dysphoria should be supported throughout their journey, but should wait until they know they're fully ready for any procedures and treatments.
@ISIDEWITH7mos7MO
Do you believe a holistic approach to gender dysphoria, including mental health support, is more beneficial than primarily medical interventions?
@9LGPV4X7mos7MO
I believe people with gender dysphoria should seek mental help in order to come to terms with what they are.
@ISIDEWITH7mos7MO
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