The mom of a nonbinary teen describes how an exploration of gender and neurodiversity led to self-understanding, deep friendships, and happiness.
a person holds a card in their hand that reads the text hello my pronouns are they, them, theirs, in a panoramic format to use as web bannerAshe’s ADHD diagnosis happened soon after they realized they were gender non-binary in middle school. The gender journey started with Ashe wanting to explore a more androgynous look. They only wanted to wear pants and wanted to cut their hair short. They wanted to wear a suit to the 8th grade prom, instead of a dress.
The name change was the hardest part for me. Ashe was not the name we gave them. They wanted a more neutral name that they felt suited them better. It hurt at first to not be a part of that process, but looking back and seeing the whole journey, I understand that ‘Ashe’ is the name they feelthem. Now it’s really strange to think back on the dead name, which we do have to use from time to time for legal stuff.
In the beginning I asked Ashe a lot, “Can you explain it to me?” Then I stopped, because I realized that I had to do the work of learning, myself — listening to podcasts, reading articles. It shouldn’t necessarily be the child’s responsibility to make you understand.I also realized that I didn’t really need to understand in order to support. I figured out that the understanding would come, one day, down the line. But what needed to happen, in that moment, was just support.
A lot of people push down who they are — whether that’s gender or sexuality or neurodivergence. But seeing Ashe embrace themselves, I’ve thought, wow, everyone should know as much as they can about themselves — their neurodivergence, gender identity, sexuality. It can open you up to being so much more
Gender Diversity and Neurodiversity – How to Support a Child, Teen, or Young Adult with ADHD as They Explore GenderSurvey: ADHD Prescriptions, Medication Use Jump Among Teens
Adhd Symptoms Asd Add Adhd Test Adhd Medication Executive Dysfunction Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Adhd In Women Signs Of Adhd Autism Anxiety Depression Bipolar Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder OCD Trauma Sleep Disorders Eating Disorders
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