Disorders of sex development (DSD): Peer relations and psychosocial well-being

Social and emotional development is shaped by familial and extra-familial experiences especially interactions with peers. Children and adolescents with physical, behavioral or developmental differences, such as youth with disorders of sex development (DSD), may not benefit to the same degree as other children and adolescents from experiences with peers. This paper reviews current thinking about the features and effects of experiences with peers and the potential challenges of peer interactions for children and adolescents with DSD. We review findings from studies of adjustment for individuals with DSD. We finish the paper with a brief outline of a research agenda to promote the understanding of adjustment of individuals with DSD.