by Michael Searles, Telegraph
Every child referred to a gender clinic will be screened under new guidance following Cass Review
The NHS will test all children who believe they are transgender for autism under new plans seen by The Telegraph.
Every child referred to a gender clinic will be “screened for neurodevelopmental conditions” such as autism and ADHD under new guidance, to be introduced in the wake of the Cass review.
The review, by paediatrician Baroness Cass, found that the mental health conditions were disproportionately common among children and young people with gender dysphoria.
Medics will also evaluate each child’s mental health, their relationship with their family and their sexual development, including whether they are experiencing same-sex attraction.
As part of a proposal to incorporate Lady Cass’s recommendations, the health service will move away from the “medical model” operated by the controversial Tavistock’s Gender Identity Development Service in favour of a “holistic” approach.
The new guidance will be released for public consultation imminently before being rolled out later this year.