The present study aimed to investigate whether differences exist between younger and older presenting adolescents at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria regarding psychological functioning and autistic traits. A total of 1487 consecutively assessed adolescents between 2000 and 2018 were divided in younger presenters (age ≤ 13.9 years) and older presenters (age ≥ 14 years). Of younger presenters, 227 (41.1%) were assigned male at birth and 325 (58.9%) assigned female at birth. In older presenters, 279 (29.8%) were assigned male at birth and 656 (70.2%) assigned female at birth. Behavioral and emotional problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). For autism traits, the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) was used. Compared to younger presenters, on both the CBCL and YSR older presenters had higher Total Problem (β = 1.75, p = .005, CI 0.53–2.97, R2 = .04 and β = 4.20, p < .001, CI 2.99–5.40, R2 = .07, respectively) and Internalizing Problem (β = 4.43, p < .001, CI 3.13–5.74, R2 = .06 and β = 6.69, p < .001, CI 5.31–8.07, R2 = .12, respectively) scores. Regarding autistic traits, a higher mean SRS total score was found in older presenting assigned males at birth (β = 4.55, p = .036, CI 0.30–8.81, R2 = .34). In assigned females at birth, no statistically significant difference between older and younger presenters was found in mean SRS total score (β = 1.19, p = .063, CI − 0.07 to 2.45, R2 = .39). Differences in mental health exist between younger and older presenting adolescents and call for an individualized approach in the clinical care of transgender adolescents.
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