Getting Proper Guidance For Transgender Children
By Lynne Adkins
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Children questioning their sexual identity need the right guidance, and it should start early.
"Let them dress the way they want, and when they're about ten, they're given hormone suppressants which suppress puberty. Then in another couple of years let them have the appropriate hormones. If they're biologically male, give them estrogen, if they're biologically female, give them testosterone. Then in a few years, if they want to, we can talk about surgery," said Dr. Sherman Leis, Chair of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Families may turn to the local children's hospital as many have experts on staff to handle gender issues. Dr. Leis says support and acceptance of the child are key.
If surgery is considered, high school is the best time.
"The kids are much more stable emotionally and psychiatrically if they get into college in their desired gender. They have a much more normal life, much less depression, much lower incidence of suicide attempts which, unfortunately, is very high in the transgender community," said Dr. Leis
He says the worst thing to do is ignore the child and their concerns.