First appointment for gender care

The waiting list for children's gender care in England and Wales has increased to over 5,700, with an average wait of 100 weeks for a first appointment, following the closure of the Gender Identity Development Service (Gids). Two new specialist hubs have opened, but the demand for services appears to have surged, exacerbated by the pandemic's impact on children's mental health. Experts, including Professor Ashley Grossman, have expressed concern over the long wait times and the lack of resources relative to the needs of children requiring mental health services. Meanwhile, in Scotland, 53 children under the age of 10 have been referred to the Sandyford gender clinic, which has raised alarms among campaigners about the appropriateness of such early referrals. Critics argue that young children's behaviors are often misinterpreted by parents as indicators of gender dysphoria, potentially sidelining other mental health issues. As discussions continue about managing these children's needs, there is a push for a more holistic approach to care.