Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS): Finding Self-Acceptance and Connection

When Dawn was 15 years old, her parents were given a diagnosis that explained why her experience with puberty was different from that of other girls her age. Following the recommendations of doctors at the time, her parents told her that she did not have a uterus and would not be able to have biological children — but did not share the diagnosis of Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) with her. At age 38, Dawn stumbled across this diagnosis when her 23andMe results indicated that her karyotype was 46,XY, rather than the 46,XX karyotype typical for females. Dawn discusses how this diagnosis helped lead her to self-acceptance and to connection with others who have lived similar experiences.