After these children enter their adulthood, interviews are held to continue researching their developments. There are no major differences of psychiatric histories, general behavior and academic performances between these two groups (Patterson, 2009). However, the early findings are criticized due to children’s age limits and sample numbers. Thus, more research is conducted to focus on adolescent development. The statistics from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health have large samples which are over 12,000 adolescents shows no such problems happen to adolescents from gay and lesbian families compared to adolescents from heterosexual families (Patterson, 2009). However, it doesn’t mean that these adolescents from gay and lesbian families don’t have challenges in their lives. So, for the clinical work with children who are raised by homosexual parents, they should be treated neither ignored nor overemphasized. They should feel free and open to talk about their families. Also, homophobia still exists in this society. As therapists or counselors, they should pay more attention when adolescents express their social …show more content…
For example, family counselling is an important one to help family members deal with psychological problems, especially for children. In school, if they suffer from bullying, health professionals can provide therapy and treatment to help. Also, counselling can assist the communication in the family. Because this type of family is against traditional ideology, so the communication between family members may be difficult. For health professionals, to provide a harmony and open environment is necessary for gay and lesbian families. In addition, the public can get education from the journal published by the scientific organizations such as APA to understand that there is no scientific difference between heterosexual and homosexual people. Thus, discrimination can be reduced by getting scientific education, not just social or religious perspectives. Moreover, gay and lesbian families can join more social activity to show their strength to the society, so they can integrate into this