Handbook for Parents

The Handbook for Parents (a companion to Clinical Guidelines for the Management of Disorders of Sex Development in Childhood.) is a resource that physicians can give parents to aid in understanding and adjusting to the child’s needs. The Handbook addresses the many questions and emotions parents have upon learning that their child has some kind of disorder of sex development (called a DSD for short).

Written in plain language, the book offers background information on child development, how to talk with the child and others about his or her DSD, and reproducible information pages to give family and others important in the child’s world.

Common questions are answered, and the handbook provides guidance for preparing parents and the child for doctor’s appointments and the value of keeping a journal.

Espeically insightful are the generously shared thoughts and experiences of other parents and of adults with DSDs.

Consortium on the Management of Disorders of Sex Differentiation (2006). Handbook for Parents. Rohnert Park, Intersex Society of North America. (133 pages).