A gender identity disorder describes a rare condition in which a child (or adult) identifies with the opposite gender to such an extent that he wishes to become that other gender. This condition presents itself in children, sometimes as young as four or five, and it can create significant problems with development and socialization.
Instructions
1. Understand the symptoms of gender identity disorder. They include an expressed desire to change genders, a general disgust with one's own genitals, dressing like the opposite gender, depression and behaviors that attempt to stave off development. For example, a girl with gender identity disorder might refuse to learn about menstruation.
2. Talk to the child's teachers to determine the extent of symptoms. In many cases, a child with gender identity disorder will withdraw from her peers and refuse to participate in gender-appropriate roles. This can cause problem at school, day care and other public places.
3. Enroll the child in counseling with a licensed psychiatrist. Even if you aren't opposed to the child's behavior, a therapist can help him deal with the serious symptoms of this disorder, including depression and anxiety. Many patients with gender identity disorder have difficulty expressing themselves and may have a very poor self-image.
4. Discuss the child's feelings at length. Responding with anger or frustration will only result in further depression, so attempt to control your own feelings about the issue. It is doubtful that the child is trying to intentionally cause trouble, and many psychiatrists believe that this disorder is related to genetics.
5. Understand that you can't cure gender identity disorder. With therapy, some children come to accept their own genders and grow up to be happy, well-adjusted adults. However, things like hormone imbalances and chromosomal abnormalities are biological, and therefore beyond the child's control.
6. Consider homeschooling a child with gender identity disorder. Although she has a right to public education, the depression and anxiety she might be feeling can become too much to bear. Furthermore, it is difficult for a child with this disorder to gain acceptance among peers.
Tags: gender identity disorder, identity disorder, gender identity, with gender, child with
