This presentation draws on a body of research aimed at understanding the mental health, adverse experiences, and neurocognitive development of transgender adolescents. Utilising data from a large, population-representative cohort, this research aims to address critical gaps in our knowledge of transgender youth's health and development through three individual studies.
The first study investigated mental health disparities between trans- and cisgender children (aged 9-10), demonstrating that transgender children faced increased susceptibility to mental health concerns, including heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The findings highlight the public health implications of addressing these disparities early and the importance of providing affirming mental health care for transgender youth.
The second study examined adverse childhood experiences, comparing trans- and cisgender adolescents. Transgender adolescents had slightly lower odds of experiencing physical or sexual abuse but showed marginally higher odds of facing emotional or physical neglect, household violence, alcohol and drug abuse, mental illness, involvement with the criminal justice system, divorce/separation, and cyberbullying. Notably, all increased odds ratios ranged from 1.01 to 1.12, indicating that the elevated risks for transgender adolescents were marginal at the population level. These findings highlight the importance of addressing the specific forms of adversity faced by transgender youth.
Building on these mental health and adversity outcomes, the third study explored the relationship between puberty blockers and neurocognitive development in transgender adolescents. A systematic review of existing literature on sex hormones and neurocognitive development in adolescents revealed conflicting results, with studies showing positive, negative, inverted U-shaped relationships, and a lack of relationships. This lack of clarity presents a significant challenge in predicting how puberty blockers may influence the cognitive development of transgender adolescents undergoing medical affirmation.
To further investigate this, I conducted a study comparing the neurocognitive growth trajectories of trans- and cisgender adolescents, focusing on cold cognition (e.g., working memory, executive function, attention). Using the same population-representative data, this study aimed to shed light on whether neurocognitive development in transgender youth differed from their cisgender peers.
Taken together, these studies emphasise the importance of using population-representative data to understand the developmental trajectories and mental health needs of transgender adolescents. The findings provide a strong foundation for future research on the effects of medical affirmation and highlight the need for early, targeted interventions to support transgender youth in their gender identity and overall well-being.

This symposium aims to equip psychologists with the knowledge and skills to address sexual health challenges in diverse populations. Sessions will focus on:

1. Sexual Pain in Women & People with Vulvas: Understand the biopsychosocial factors contributing to sexual pain and learn evidence-based interventions to help clients manage and treat their pain and enhance sexual function.
2. Sexual Health in Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM) with Health Conditions: Explore the unique needs of MSM facing health conditions like prostate cancer. Learn how to create inclusive, culturally sensitive spaces that prioritise sexual health.
3. Sexual and Relational Needs and Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM): Gain an introductory understanding of ENM and its diverse forms. Develop therapeutic strategies to support individuals and people engaged in ENM, addressing a range of common relational and sexual issues that can occur while ENM.

Throughout the symposium, participants will build confidence in addressing sensitive topics related to sexual health across the sexual spectrum. This event will enhance clinical skills and broaden perspectives on the complex interplay of sexual health, well-being, and identity.

Key takeaways:

Increased understanding of sexual pain and effective treatment strategies
Enhanced cultural competency in working with MSM and addressing their unique sexual health needs
Knowledge of ENM and therapeutic approaches for supporting people practising ENM
Improved confidence in addressing sensitive topics related to sexual health in diverse populations

The number of clients presenting to psychology services with concerns relating to their gender identity has increased markedly in recent years (Graham, 2023). According to the World Professional Association for Transgender Care (WPATH), mental health professionals are well positioned to assess eligibility for gender affirming interventions. However, in a context that features vague and evolving legal guidance, contested clinical criteria and definitions, and high levels of social division, this ‘gatekeeper’ role presents an array of professional and ethical challenges for psychologists.

This paper presents data from a study of Australian psychologists' responses to young clients who present with concerns about their gender, and wish to instigate gender transition processes. By utilising a data-driven thematic analysis, the presentation identifies the range of legal, clinical and client factors that psychologists cite when responding to vignettes depicting these complex client presentations. Emergent themes indicate diverse views about what criteria to base decisions on, whether treatment should be initiated, what steps to take, how long to engage the client and or others, and how one ascertains their own competence to proceed.

The presentation aims to briefly outline the legal and clinical guidance regarding these matters, and to utilise the current data to specify areas where psychology professionals require greater guidance.