Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8

International Journal of Transgender Health

Coleman, E., Radix, A. E., et al. (2022).

International Journal of Transgender Health, 23(Suppl 1), S1-S259.

This evidence-based guideline provides recommendations for healthcare professionals regarding the healthcare needs of transgender and gender diverse individuals. Only those recommendations relevant to the practice of speech-language pathology will be summarized.

World Professional Association for Transgender Health

<div>Recommendations relevant to speech-language pathology scope of practice included:</div> <ul> <li>Healthcare professionals assessing transgender and gender diverse adults who are seeking gender-affirming treatment should work with professionals from different disciplines within the field of transgender health, such as voice and communication specialists, for consultation and referral, as needed (Weak recommendation).</li> <li>Specialists should assess voice and communication function of transgender and gender diverse individuals and design intervention plans for those dissatisfied with their voice and communication (Strong recommendation).</li> <li>Specialists working with this population should receive education to support vocal functioning, communication, and well-being of transgender and gender diverse individuals (Strong recommendation).</li> <li>Healthcare professionals working with transgender and gender diverse individuals who are dissatisfied with their voice or communication should offer a referral to voice and communication specialists for support, assessment, and training related to the voice (Strong recommendation).</li> <li>Healthcare professionals working with transgender and gender diverse people who are considering undergoing voice surgery should offer a referral to a voice and communication specialist who can provide pre- and/or postoperative support (Strong recommendation).</li> <li>Healthcare professionals should provide transgender and gender diverse people beginning testosterone therapy information counseling on the effects of this treatment on voice and communication (Strong recommendation). Those who are dissatisfied with the outcomes may be advised by a voice and communication specialist of support options including voice and communication training.</li> </ul>