Embracing Diversity: The Vital Role of LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy
In a world where diversity should be celebrated and differences respected, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face unique challenges, particularly in accessing supportive mental health care. Despite significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance, many individuals within this community still encounter discrimination, stigma, and misunderstanding, leading to profound psychological distress. Amidst these challenges, LGBTQ+ affirming […]
The Overlap Between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Gender Diversity
Research indicates that children, adolescents, and adults with ASD are more likely to identify as transgender and gender diverse compared to neurotypical individuals. Although there is no strong empirical evidence to explain this overlap, studies show that mental health concerns (e.g., suicidality, depressive symptoms, anxiety) are intensified for gender diverse people with ASD. Consequently, it […]
Raising Girls
In our last post, we discussed the differences that male identified children have as compared to female identified children. We reviewed some of the structural brain changes, as well as some of the societal and cultural norms and expectations that male children cope with, and the need for emotional support and understanding for male children. […]
Raising Boys
On the surface, raising a child with an identified gender of male should be much the same as raising a female identified child We are thankfully moving past strict gender guidelines, and no longer are toys considered “boy toys” or “girl toys” (for the most part). However, there are societal differences and expectations that do […]
Gender Differences Within Autism
Any conversation about autism and the prevalence rates is incomplete without also mentioning the gender differences that occur across the spectrum. An understanding of the gender differences helps capture the traits and symptoms present in ASD in a more nuanced manner, and makes sure that we don’t miss the particularly subtle presentation that many females […]
Support for Gender Non-Conforming, Trans, and Non-Binary Individuals
Few topics generate such passion, and it can be hard to speak about the experience of gender non-conforming individuals without generating strong opinions from all sides of the political and moral spectrum. Yet despite all of the strong emotions, for the person who is experiencing gender dysphoria or confusion about their gender, they just want […]