1) The linked study only adds to the mounting scientific evidence that “children develop a sense of identity at an early age, that this identity is not necessarily determined by sex assigned at birth, and that children may hold on to this identity even when it conflicts with others’ expectations.” In short - trans youth know who they are.
2) It should be pretty intuitive, but the science backs it up: trans youth who receive support for who they are do better. Across a growing number of studies on the topic trans and gender expansive youth who are supported and affirmed by their families see decreased incidences of depression, anxiety, suicidal attempts/ideation.
3) The current standards of care for trans youth begin with purely social changes (ie. dress/appearance, names, pronouns) for youth age 3+, then proceeding - if appropriate and necessary - to largely reversible medical interventions (ie. puberty suppression) age 9+, before moving to the more irreversible interventions (ie. hormone therapy, surgeries) only once the child reaches the age of medical consent - typically age 16+ and has met appropriate clinical criteria. These steps are slow, require extensive consultation with medical and mental health professionals, and have demonstrated positive impacts both short and long-term.
4) While studies will continue to delver more into these topics, the medical and scientific consensus - as articulated by a recent policy document from American Academy of Pediatrics - is clear in its recommendation of “providing youth with access to comprehensive gender-affirming and developmentally appropriate health care.”
