Breast binders

[FloofCloud]

Hi
My DD14 keeps asking me to buy them a breast binder. I honestly don't know which sites to look at to see the impact on a growing child. They're non-binary (1.5 years and I think it's more than a phase). They're quite upset, they're autistic too so does get upset and quite a terrible in some subjects. I want to research it properly but no idea which information to review and research - any pointers from anyone?

You can see advice and information on binders from Bayswater Support Group here

I'd say that you don't think binders are safe and help your child to find a high impact sports bra, which will compress a bit. And get some non-directional counselling that will address all the MH issues, not just through the prism of gender. Most likely to grow out of this.

Being non-binary is often a step towards identifying as the opposite gender/sex (I'm using both words as some people have a belief in an innate sense of gender identity and some people don't).
I've done lots of research in to autism and gender identity to support my daughter and my understanding is that biological autistic girls can experience puberty as trauma. Their reliable body is now changing, plus boobs and periods can cause sensory issues. Identifying away from being female can be a way to bring some control at a time of distress.
I found the NHS-commissioned Cass Review a helpful start point to understand the current situation with regards to care for children who are experiencing gender distress.
https://cass.independent-review.uk/publications/interim-report/

Regarding binders, we said no due to concerns that have been published about damage to ribs and spines, plus limitations to breathing. Also, we felt a sports bra was more appropriate to help our daughter to have time to get used to her changing body in a way that didn't automatically suggest she didn't want to be female. We're happy for her to explore her thoughts around gender but not from a start point that she needs to move away from a female body. That's a bias in the destination. A bra is for females and respects the status quo, while she explores everything.

Thanks @BonfireLady

Agreeing with what's been said, sports bras are a better option than binders for a growing child, both for her lungs and developing spine, and for her skin.

Thanks @AJ65 - just bought her 2 ultra supportive sports bras and her paediatrician told her much the same plus it's not fitted or regulated so it was a 'not sensible' from her and explore said sports tops

Gc2b, spectrum and many second hand websites like vinted or eBay are good places to look. Second hand ones may be more stretched so would be less constricting.