Sex identity disorder

In childhood, gender identity is consolidated and some children may not identify with their biological sex. Gender identity is something we are born with and cannot be changed with interventions. The gender dysphoria or transsexuality should not be considered a disorder, if not a specific condition that must be properly managed so that the person can develop in fullness and well-being. Children in this situation are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety as a result of or from discrimination.

What is sexual identity?

When we speak of identity we refer to the consciousness of the "I" to our essence and that defines us as what we are at different levels: corporal, mental, temporal, emotional-affective and sexual. All these categories are permanent because the person does not exist without a body, without a mind, without affections or without sexuality. The sexual identity It is what classifies us as male or female. The little ones begin to recognize themselves as boys or girls around the age of two or three. In addition, social roles or identification with the child's referents in their environment favor this process of self-identification (I am a boy like my father, I am a girl like my aunt). In the event that there is no concordance between feeling and gender At birth, the child is reassigned to the other gender despite his biological body, considering his body, in one way or another, an error and that is when we talk about transsexualism and transgenderism. It is very common for minors with a "sexual identity problem" to be very conventional in the way they want to live the role of the gender assigned to the other sex, precisely because they use gender to define themselves and show your true identity. If the child begins to identify with the other gender, many parents wonder if it will be something specific or definitive. There is no simple answer, time will tell, the most important thing is give all the support and understanding that the child needs. Some children in this situation continue into adult life with gender dysphoria and others do not.

What can make us suspect a gender dysphoria

Here we list some of the situations that can make us suspect that a child has a sexual identity disorder. They are considered relevant if these symptoms last a minimum of six months:

• Feel rejection or dislike towards their genitals.
• Believe that when you grow up you will become the other sex.
• Verbalize that you want to belong to the other sex.
• Adopt roles, habits or ways of dressing characteristic of the other sex.
• Desire to change the assigned name for another of the opposite sex.
• Peer socialization problems.
• Symptoms of or anxiety.

How not to act?

In the case of a sexual identity disorder, the early intervention It is important and it is essential to avoid a series of behaviors towards the child such as:

• To refuse the boy or the girl for verbalizing their discomfort.
• Punish to the minor for this reason. Parents must understand that their situation does not depend on the will of the child.
• Focusing too much attention or joke about itThat is, we must adopt a balanced attitude: whether to overestimate or underestimate.
• Allowing yourself to be teased or rejected by family or friends.

What should we do

If the child begins to engage in any of the behaviors we have described, it is very important that parents provide a home where they feel safe and unconditionally loved. Approach your preferences without judging him it is the way to gain their trust and to be able to help you through difficult times. These simple guidelines can make the situation more bearable and positive:

• Accept and love the child unconditionally.
• Not lie on biological sexual identity: "you are a child", for example.
• Beef up the idea that you will be able to live fully according to your identity, whatever it may be and that this will not be an obstacle to your development as a person.
• Understand the situation, avoid conflict, be proactive, and offer as much professional and emotional help as possible.
• Detect possible bullying situations, do not minimize it.
• Watch for symptoms of emotional distress: depression, anxiety, insecurity or low self-esteem.
• If the orientation is clear, it is interesting to contact organizations, resources or groups of parents in the same situation, and if necessary to request. It is essential that the child does not feel alone.
• Find age-appropriate books or movies that address the topic in a positive way.

• If the child begins to identify with the other gender, many parents wonder if it will be something specific or definitive.
• There is no simple answer, time will tell, the most important thing is to give all the support and understanding that the child needs.
• In the case of a sexual identity disorder, early intervention is important and it is essential to avoid a series of behaviors towards the child such as rejection, punishment, making jokes ...

Pediatric specialist