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Yes, exactly. The possible causes are complex and numerous, but in all likelihood have a genetic/physiological basis. For example, there are some people with two X chromosomes and no Y chromosome, but with a key chunk of genetic code from a Y chromosome sitting on one of their X chromosomes, sending male signals out in every cell of their body. It’s just not as simple as the folks shouting criticism imagine. The lack of compassion for parents and children facing such a problem is ugly.

I have no sympathy for rebellious teens and college students who suddenly “realize” they’re the opposite sex, only after exposure to a lot of sociopolitical brainwashing, and the realization that they’ll get lots of attention and support from the PC crowd if they make this announcement. But no way is that what’s going on with a preschooler whose father, an air force engineer, and stay-at-home mother are telling their child he’s a boy, calling him Joseph, dressing him in boy clothes, correcting him when he says he’s a girl, living on a military base, and the child persists for years in insisting he’s a girl.

My 5 year old has been insisting that he's a robot for years. Doesn't mean he is one... or does it? Uh oh.

I think its safe to assume that this kid has had chromosome testing by now. So, rule that out.

I think most people here don't disagree with the possibility of there being a biological reason for this behavior,... but rather have an issue with the fact that it seems as if the parents are giving into it so young. We also don't know what is really going on in their home beyond what they claim.

I still don't think the kid would be so fixed on the idea of being a "girl" without being influenced. Hell, I don't remember thinking about gender one way or the other at 4. What does being a "girl" mean at four? Liking pink and so forth... none of that is built into the brain... but it is caused by influence. There are a plenty of boys at that age that play with dolls, like babies and so forth... and they are still boys and stay boys.

The child needs help, which is the opposite of what they’re giving to him. We can forget the genetic theory, if there was any genetic basis for the boy’s psychosis then the article would have mentioned it. Whatever his problems are they’re all psychological. Furthermore, given the drastic measures taken by the parents I don’t for one second buy that they’re normal parents who tried their best to help their son get over his identity issues. There’s a lot more going on that we don’t know, and given the very PCness of the whole topic I doubt we ever will.