Fact check: 95% OF CHILDREN WITH UNTREATED GENDER DISPHORIA END UP BEING COMFORTABLE WITH THIER BODIES LATER

1. Summary of the results

The claim that "95% of children with untreated gender dysphoria end up being comfortable with their bodies" is oversimplified and not fully supported by available research. While studies do show that many children who initially experience gender dysphoria don't persist with these feelings into adolescence, the exact percentages vary significantly:

• Multiple studies indicate desistance rates of around 80% ^[1]
• A Dutch study found a persistence rate of 15.8% (meaning 84.2% desisted) among 246 children ^[1]
• A Canadian study of boys showed 87.8% desistance ^[1]
• Some studies have reported desistance rates between 65-94% ^[2]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

Several crucial contextual elements are missing from the original statement:

• The timing of assessment is critical - children become increasingly aware of their gender identity persistence between ages 10-13 ^[3]
• Individual experiences vary significantly based on:
• Intensity of early gender dysphoria
• Differences between natal boys and girls
• Social environment
• Body changes
• Experiences of attraction ^{[4] [3]}

There is ongoing scientific debate about the methodology of earlier studies. Recent researchers argue that some studies may have included children who weren't truly experiencing gender dysphoria, potentially inflating desistance rates ^[2]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement presents several problematic elements:

• It oversimplifies a complex medical and psychological phenomenon by presenting a single, definitive percentage
• It ignores the methodological debates surrounding earlier studies ^[2]
• While Dr. Riittakerttu Kaltiala supports the general concept that "four out of five" gender-questioning children will accept their bodies without medical intervention ^[5], presenting this as a definitive "95%" is misleading

This debate has significant implications for various stakeholders:

• Medical professionals and researchers studying gender identity
• Healthcare policy makers
• Advocacy groups on various sides of the gender healthcare debate
• Families and individuals making decisions about gender-affirming care

The evidence suggests that while desistance is common, the exact rates are still subject to ongoing research and debate, and individual experiences vary significantly.