Gender-Affirmative Eating Disorder Care: Clinical Considerations for Transgender and Gender Expansive Children and Youth

Transgender and gender expansive (TGE) children and youth suffer staggering rates of discrimination and are at higher risk of developing eating disorder symptoms and behaviors than cisgender youth. This article presents an overview of current research on identified risk factors for the development of eating disorders for TGE children and youth; provides clinical considerations for professionals in providing gender-affirming, collaborative eating disorder care;outlines specific concepts for staff training andfor developing gender-affirming systems of care including policies and practices; and identifies numerous resources for TGE children and youth and their families. The clinical considerations and suggested practices reflect current research and clinical practice.Both the gender-affirmative clinical field and the eating disorder field are constantly evolving,and the recommendations and resources will need ongoing updates to reflect developments in these fields.