Family Court allows Sex Change for Autistic Boy

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The Family Court of Australia granted permission for the teen, referred to for legal reasons as “O”, to begin hormone treatment following an emergency application from his parents.

The boy, who suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, a mild form of autism, had become suicidal after deciding he wanted to be a woman.

O was mature enough to know what he wanted, Family Court judge Linda Dessau said when making her decision.

The sex change was supported by his parents, younger sister, six specialists and the boy’s lawyer, the court heard.

“Despite the combined complexities of O’s youth, the depression and anxiety that he has suffered, and the symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome, the consensus among all the professionals was that he is capable of making, and has made, an informed decision,” Justice Dessau said.

The judge ruled a sample of O’s sperm should be collected and stored because of fears the sex change treatment would affect his ability to have children in the future.

The state where the boy lives cannot be disclosed for legal reasons.

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Categories: Asperger's syndrome, Court Decision, Gender Identity Disorder, Reproductive Medical Assistance, Sexual Reassignment Act (SA), Special Medical Procedure, Sperm Donation, Trans-Sexuals
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