The therapist advised that I should work towards accepting my “gender variant” kid as they are, and she could help me with that. I blindly thanked her for the advice, assuming she was the expert. I eagerly participated in joint talk therapy sessions. I willingly discussed gender topics with Leah and listened to her feelings with an open mind. I made efforts to use her pronouns, and embraced her new name. I researched and learned from trans-identifying individuals, especially autistics, most part of the “neurodiversity” movement. I helped her pick out clothes that felt comfortable to her. I covered the mirror when she showered so she wouldn’t have to see her body. My daughter was seemingly happier, her anxiety level had decreased, and she was able to trust me and have a close, loving relationship with me again. I decided that maybe the therapist was right: this radical “acceptance” really was key to improving our relationship.
Do You Have ASD? Transition!
She has Asperger’s, now termed autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She has always been “high functioning”.
She is so caught up in this she has herself thinking that she was always trans. She tells us she was always trans because she didn’t like pink frilly things or dresses. She has always had sensory issues with clothing but never wanted male clothes. Never did she say she was a boy or wanted to be. I have yet to find a professional that would consider her diagnosis of ASD to possibly be driving this.