{"id":6268,"date":"2017-08-25T09:36:01","date_gmt":"2017-08-24T23:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/?p=6268"},"modified":"2017-08-25T10:11:54","modified_gmt":"2017-08-25T00:11:54","slug":"gender-diversity-a-growing-awareness","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.rch.org.au\/news\/gender-diversity-a-growing-awareness\/","title":{"rendered":"Gender diversity: a growing awareness"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>A cut finger, a bruised knee, even a cough or cold \u2013 these are scrapes and illnesses that are easy for parents to treat. But when it comes to mental health and the complex topic of gender, knowing your child\u2019s needs can be tricky, and that\u2019s when expert advice can help.<\/p>\n

Leading the way<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since 2003, the Royal Children\u2019s Hospital\u2019s (RCH) Gender Service has been helping children and young people who have questions about their gender.<\/p>\n

The RCH is pioneering work around gender services in Victoria and across the country, and the Gender Services team has seen the service expand from one or two referrals each year to more than 220 referrals for 2016.<\/p>\n

Clinical psychologist Carmen Pace says the growth is reflected in increased awareness, and by parents seeking help for their child \u201cwhen they see things that might be a bit different with gender\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving public advocates really helps,\u201d Dr Pace says.\u00a0 \u201dBut I also think it\u2019s just happening within schools \u2013 there\u2019s lots of training out there now.<\/p>\n

\u201cTeachers are becoming more aware, parents are becoming more aware, and there\u2019s media exposure as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Is my child gender diverse?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s normal for children to explore and be curious about gender as part of healthy development. But if your child seems distressed about their gender or you have concerns, there are some areas you can look out for:<\/p>\n