Working together in placing the long term interests of the child at the heart of the DSD evaluation

Abstract

This paper articulates a number of important but often ignored questions that families have during and following the diagnosis of a child with a DSD. Recounting a personal birth experience, it illustrates the urgent need for more psychological and educational support during and following diagnosis and gender assignment. Finally, the paper describes some practical strategies for raising a child living with genital difference. It urges everyone involved in the care of children with a DSD to support parents in looking beyond initial anxiety and worry and always to place the child's long term wellbeing at the very heart of the clinical decision-making and care.