Gender_Identity_Disorder_Reflection_Paper

Child Gender Identity Disorder “Reflection Paper” In this paper I aim to directly reflect upon an article I read recently on child gender identity disorder. I will be focusing on two radically dissimilar approaches between two Psychologists currently specializing in gender identity. The article I am basing this paper of is titled Two Families Grapple with Sons' Gender Preferences. A podcast dictated by Alix Spiegel with NPR in May 2008 the article compares two boys of the same age living on different coasts of the U.S. Both of these boys struggled with the belief that they have been born into the wrong body. These two boys are convinced by all means they are actually girls. This is widely known as “Gender Identity Disorder”. I will discuss my feelings and consider which approach I agree with and share my reasoning. Dr.Zuccer and Dr.Erensaft both agree on which attitudes, and behaviors classify gender identity disorder in children and both share in the belief that all children are developmentally flexible at this age. Interestingly this point is exactly where the two differ. Dr Zuccer, a psychologist from Toronto who happens to be considered a world expert in his field, has spent the past 30 years dealing with children and gender identity issues. His approach of treatment happens to be more prevalent among psychologist today. Further demonstrated by the steady increase in referrals his clinic receives. Dr. Zuccer believes that in treating children less than 10 years of age by reforming the daily life of the child and family. He is adamant about rectification of these “dangerous” behaviors and states by no means should we embrace them casually. He convinces the parents that it is imperative in order to spare these children from social torment and future burden of living a life as the opposite gender. Parents are instructed to remove all that does not constitute societies definition of gender appropriate roles by policing their toys, and daily activities, even declaring the use of certain colors as intolerable. During this process typically a child is left lost and naked of their favorite or most comforting belongings, possibly denied playing with their friend. He refers to these measures as successfully accepting their true identity. In other words the gender of which they were born with. Dr. Erensaft, a specialist in the field of child gender identity disorder from Oakland, CA practices dramatically opposite methods of treatment and takes a very has her own very contrary approach. She believes it is best to be certain the child is positive of their own identity. Not flocculating. At that time it we should help them by means of providing both encouragement and support towards their decision to live life as the opposite gender then of which they were born. Dr. Erensaft does not use the term gender identity disorder. Instead she refers to it as transgenderism. She is supportive of Dr. Zuccer’s statement that children are developmentally flexible at a young age. Although she declares there is a sub group within that group which needs to be addressed. Her reasoning behind treating children with very positive and supportive methods is very understandable and simple. She doesn’t justify treating a child who is not frantic, anxious, depressed, or angry. Instead she chose’s to step back and let the child decide who they want to be, rather than constrict them which could possibly create poor mental health. “Children worry less about themselves then worrying about the world, and how the world views them.” I consider Dr. Zuccer’s method of treatment as a mirror image of our cultures social ignorance. Who are we to decide if the choice of gender made upon birth was in all certainty the best choice' I take into consideration being a mother myself of a 2year old boy. What treatment would I choose' Could I imagine breaking his spirit only to conform him to what others deem acceptable. If so I would choose Dr. Zuccer’s methods. However as I am a strong believer in free spirit, and free will I will side with Dr. Erensaft. As far as I know a child deserves the same privileges and rights as any other human being. An identity is simply how a person is defined individually. To not listen to a child especially at such a young age is ridiculous. Children are instinctual, and more importantly full of pure unbiased love. Humanity’s greatest gift is that of love. Above all else we must love our selves. If we are not free to love ourselves how are we expected to love another' Isn’t that the age old lesson' I suspect this to be a large factor of the rapid violence and hate vastly throughout our culture. In all essence without loving yourself, you cannot fully love another which suffocates our society from thriving positively. Another individual and invaluable gift we have is instinct. Some may call it a conscience. We have instinct for a reason why not trust in it, funny how children rely on it. Throughout this article many references towards Dr. Zuccer’s treatment literally brought me to tears. As of now there is no systematic data to sustain that Dr. Zucce’r’s methods result in children transitioning any better psychologically. Dr Erensaft claims that his chosen methods in her experience have resulted in many kids ending up worse and not better. Take for example several quotes from this very article in which the parents of the two boys make observations of behavioral changes after beginning therapy. Dr. Zuccer’s Patient: “He's like an addict. He's like, Mommy, don't take me there. Close my eyes. Cover my eyes. I can't see that stuff. It's all pink “And then finally, after - I don't know - a month or two, he just said, Momma, I don't know how. I don't know how to draw a boy.” “He doesn’t dream anymore that he’s a girl he’s like no, no, I’m happy being a boy, I want to be.” Dr Erensaft’s patient: ”One of the most popular kids, other kids loves her. They want to play with her, she’s fun, and it’s because she’s so comfortable with herself that she makes other people feel comfortable” In my opinion it is clear. Both scientifically, and morally the best treatment thus far concerning transgenderism better known as child gender identity disorder is to understand and be aware of a truth which may make some uncomfortable. It is not a disease or disorder, it is simply a classification.