This program is subject to change.
Gender Dysphoria: Beyond the Diagnosis
Workshop Description
Gender dysphoria is widely understood as the persistent emotional, psychological or physical distress experienced by individual’s whose gender does not align with their sex-at-birth. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illness outlines criteria that are too limited in scope. These create unrealistic expectations that medical and/or surgical intervention will result in the eradication of gender dysphoria. This workshop proposes to present gender dysphoria as an experience beyond a criteria checklist; demonstrate how dysphoria shows up across different developmental stages; and how this impacts the lives of transgender youth. Using case examples, this workshop will help attendees have an improved understanding of how gender dysphoria is impacting the developmental trajectories of these youth. We’ll explore the overlap of symptoms of gender dysphoria that often lead to diagnoses of ADHD, bipolar disorder, high functioning autism, and we’ll explore mechanisms to address gender dysphoria in transgender and non-binary individuals. Providers can improve care for youth if their understanding of gender dysphoria expands beyond the distress associated with the presence (or absence) of primary or secondary sex characteristics.
Conference Track
Family
Topic
Mental Health - Youth
Workshop Outline/Powerpoint
Primary Contact
Aydin Olson-Kennedy, LCSW, Los Angeles Gender Center
Workshop Presenters
Johanna Olson-Kennedy, MD
Pronouns
Presenter Bio
Dr. Olson-Kennedy is the medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development, and has been providing medical intervention, advocacy and education for transgender children, adolescents and young adults for 13 years.
Aydin Olson-Kennedy, MSW, Los Angles Gender Center
Pronouns
Presenter Bio
Aydin Olson-Kennedy is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with underserved and marginalized populations. Aydin brings a unique perspective to his career as a transgender man who at one time needed similar mental health and medical services for himself. In 2015, Aydin joined the Los Angeles Gender Center and in 2016, he was hired as the Executive Director. In addition to his role at the Los Angeles Gender Center and his full time private practice, Aydin speaks internationally to medical and mental health providers, educators, social workers and families on the importance of accessible, informed-consent model of care.