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Gender Dysphoria and Autism – what’s new?
New Delhi (India), March 18: Despite insistence and conformity to current societal norms, parents often feel rather shocked and worried, if their son starts showing girlish tendencies or the girl is not only a tomboy but considers herself a boy! Solution might be closer to us than we think with this new knowledge!!
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria co-exist rather often than we might expect!
The relationship between gender dysphoria and autism is complex and multifaceted. Research by the International Society for Sexual Medicine (2016) stated that in comparison to the general population, the condition of Gender Dysphoria (GD) is considerably more prevalent among children and adolescents with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The percentage of co-occurrence of GD and ASD is as high as 68% (Vermaat LE, LGBT Health. 2018).
Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria are two distinct conditions that can intersect, presenting unique challenges for individuals and healthcare providers.
According to DSM-5 ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by “persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction across multiple contexts” along with “restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities” (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Gender Dysphoria, on the other hand, is “a marked incongruence between one’s experienced/expressed gender and assigned gender” (DSM-5, American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
For individuals with both Autism and Gender Dysphoria, navigating social interactions and expressing their gender identity can be particularly challenging. ASD is characterized by difficulties in understanding social cues and norms, which can impact their ability to understand as well as communicate their gender identity effectively. It so happens that children with ASD possesses a more fluid or, well, a less rigid understanding of the concept of gender per say. These social challenges can make it difficult for them to navigate gender norms and expectations. This can further lead to feelings of isolation and alienation, which may exacerbate gender dysphoria. Additionally, the heightened sensory sensitivity among children with ASD affect how they experience their bodies and the world around them. This heightened sensitivity may make them more aware of and sensitive to the incongruence between their assigned sex and gender identity, leading to increased distress.
As we can see, understanding this intersection is crucial for providing effective support and care for children and adolescents who has been diagnosed with both the conditions. Many children and adolescents are brought to our Tertiary Care Child Development Center by their parents with concerns about gender confusion. For the past 17 years and till date not a single child has had to leave our centre with gender confusion. To state a case as such, in 2023, a fourteen-year-old boy came with his parents whose mother is a nurse. More than her concern regarding her son’s lack of education or his habit of lying, she expressed severe concerns over and over again about his gender confusion. Stealing mother’s sarees and petticoats, and impersonating a woman was amongst his daily routines. Parents were upset. From the age of eight, from Medinipur to Delhi-Delhi, Vellore and Bangalore, she finally gave up and protested in Kolkata! The mother’s condition was so bad that for the first three months she used to physically abuse her son every time she came for treatment. The mother reported a tad relief when the son was showing minor results. After the treatment, when we gathered for the routine multidisciplinary team meeting, a process where professionals from all departments (that includes a developmental paediatrician, psychologist, vision therapist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, and special educator) and the parents with the child meet to discuss the current developmental improvements of the child, we asked about their then-existing problems, especially, about gender confusion, their expressions of joy are still unforgettable. “That’s all gone” was the ultimate quote of the parents. They forgot about the stated difficulty of gender confusion of the child to the extent that we had to remind them about it through our routine follow-up questions.
Since we know from a 2015 Canadian research study that the higher the autism, the higher is the gender confusion. So, in our holistic treatment of Autism, which we call the “Kolkata Developmental Model”- an Universal Care Pathway, does gender confusion go away as Autism gets better? Canadian research shows autism gets better. So, if autism can be treated keeping gender confusion in mind, can gender confusion be eliminated along with Autism? Well our experience of working in accordance to the Kolkata Developmental Model and following it for the treatment of children with Autism for the past 17 years definitely says so!
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Business
Startup Grind Delhi, AngelBlue, Kyaa Matlab Network & Hubhopper celebrate IWD
New Delhi (India), March 18: Startup Grind – Delhi NCR recently hosted the #IWD24 “Invest in Her” event on Saturday, March 16th, at AltF Coworking in Okhla. Curated by Chapter Director Rashi Khanna, Founder of Kyaa Matlab Network, along with Co-Director SatyaPrakash Sahoo and Country Manager Aayush Vats, the event aimed to celebrate International Women’s Day Month by uniting individuals dedicated to investing in women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship under the theme #InvestInHer.
Powered by AngelBlue Holdings Private Limited, Co-founded by Manish Verma, a full-stack angel network for startups, the event featured esteemed panelists engaging with remarkable women entrepreneurs, providing them with essential platforms and resources for their growth and success.
The panel discussion, expertly moderated by Manish Verma, delved into strategies for empowering women in business and fostering inclusive growth. Industry experts such as Neiharika Rajiv, Co-founder of GI Ventures, seasoned entrepreneur and management expert, provided valuable insights and perspectives.
Gautam Raj Anand, Founder & CEO of Hubhopper, the Podcast Partner, added significant value to the event by emphasizing the power of podcasts in driving knowledge sharing and growth. Dr. Vishal Gandhi, Founder & CEO of BIORx Venture Advisors, provided valuable perspectives on the healthcare landscape and investment opportunities.
Veenam Jain, Co-Founder of SMART NEEV, showcased the potential of AI-powered solutions in revolutionizing the real estate industry, emphasizing the importance of sustainable business practices.
The event’s highlight was the felicitation of Major Mohommed Ali Shah, a TEDx sensation and motivational speaker, who honored women entrepreneurs for their contributions. Awards were presented by Sky Innovations Pvt Ltd, followed by networking sessions.
The event also honored a diverse group of women entrepreneurs who have made significant contributions across various industries, celebrating their entrepreneurial excellence and innovation.
AltF Coworking, a dedicated workspace, ensured every woman had the opportunity to flourish in the startup ecosystem.
Media handling by Nandish Communication amplified the empowerment message. Kisaan Say was the gesture partner.
Special thanks were extended to Artphonso for being the gifting partner and NGO partners like Peepal Tree Foundation, supporting underprivileged women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and platforms to thrive and succeed.
List of Awardees:
Richa Wahi – Founder of Tales Dat Spin, recognized as a Top Story Coach
Achlaa Bharaddwaj – Founder of Mindif-i Mindset Coaching, named a Top NLP Coach
Ekta Pandey – Founder of AHOM Technologies Pvt Ltd, distinguished as a Top Techpreneur
Shipra Uppal – Founder of SARATHI – Voices, Visuals & Spirituality, honored as a Top Holistic Coach & Healer
Aryah Vaibhav Mahajan – Founder of IVillage A Family, acclaimed as a Top Social Entrepreneur
Dr. Kiran Bala Khanna – Founder of AIDA Story Pvt Ltd, recognized as a Top Entrepreneur
Neetu Gupta – Founder of VDOIT TECHNOLOGIES, distinguished as a Top Entrepreneur
Shilpa Gupta Rana – Founder of SHR Hospitality, acknowledged as a Top Entrepreneur
Dr. Veethika Kapur – Founder of Veethika’s V-Listen Speech & Hearing Clinic Pvt Ltd, honored as a Top Entrepreneur & Audiologist
Dr. Shivani Khetan – Founder of MUDITA, recognized as a Master Practitioner in Clinical Hypnotherapy
Sheena Singh – Founder of Chisel Minds, celebrated as a Top Corporate Trainer
Yoshita Gupta – Founder of KIDOSPARK, honored as a Top Entrepreneur
Snigdha Ahuja – Founder of SAMIT, distinguished as a Top Startup
Mala Mendiratta – Podcast Host and Singer, recipient of the Vayoshreshtha Samman
Mannu Jain – Co-Founder of ARTPHONSO, recipient of the Vayoshreshtha Samman
Shreya Batra – Founder of WISDOM WORTH PRESCHOOL & DAYCARE, recognized as the Most Popular Preschool
Nidhi Goyal – Founder of Panchtatav Balancing, acknowledged as a Top Mahavastu Acharya
Raviesha Agarwal – Corporate Coach, recognized for expertise in Public Speaking & Charismatic Leadership Presence.
Divya Jain – Founder of THE CLASS OF ONE, honored as the Best EdTech Entrepreneur of the Year
Additionally, certificates of recognition were presented to:
Rashi Khanna – Founder of KYAA MATLAB NETWORK, for Experiential Learning
Kanchan Garg – Founder of Haxor – Casajoya Pvt Ltd, for Social Impact
Aarushi Jain – Co-Founder of ARTPHONSO, for contributions to the Chambers of Jain & Kumar
Pritika Kalra Gandhi – Founder of NrityaBodhi Dance Company, for Popular Fitness Coaching
Dr. Bhavika Mendiratta – Director of PRISM WEALTH, for Distinguished Insurance Consultancy
We are thrilled to have hosted such an inspiring event celebrating women’s achievements and promoting entrepreneurship,” said Rashi Khanna, Chapter Director of Startup Grind – Delhi NCR. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to support and empower women-led businesses.”
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