Gender Dysphoria in a 21-Year-Old Individual Assigned Female at Birth With Intellectual Disability: A Case Report

Gender dysphoria (GD) in individuals with intellectual disability (ID) is underrecognized and poses diagnostic and ethical challenges due to communication limitations and risk of diagnostic overshadowing. We report a 21-year-old individual assigned female at birth with developmental delay who persistently identified as male, accompanied by gender-related distress and functional impairment. Psychometric assessment using the Binet– Kamath Test revealed a mental age of 12 years, consistent with mild–moderate ID. Disability and adaptive functioning scales (Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale [IDEAS], World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 [WHODAS 2.0], Vineland Social Maturity Scale [VSMS]) confirmed significant functional limitations. The Utrecht GD Scale indicated moderate dysphoria, while capacity assessment demonstrated adequate understanding and ability to participate in psychosocial decisions. A gender affirmative, capacity-sensitive approach involving supportive psychotherapy and family psychoeducation resulted in reduced distress and improved family acceptance over 8 weeks. This case highlights that ID does not preclude stable gender identity and underscores the importance of structured assessment, formal capacity evaluation, and individualized, multidisciplinary management in such complex presentations.