Understanding key issues in gender-variant children and young people.

Children, parents and other family members are often concerned if the behaviour of the child is more like that of children of the opposite gender, or when they show signs that they are uncomfortable with their physical sex appearance. Gender identity disorders in children and young people (those up to the age of 17 years) are rare. According to the Department of Health, they are best understood as a natural, although unusual, variation in human development. Gender variance is complex and involves psychological, biological, family and social issues. A multidisciplinary approach to care and treatment is advocated. This article provides nurses with some understanding of gender variance in children and young people in order for them to begin to help children, young people and their families.