Karen Walsh: My youngest child is transitioning. How can I help?

The process is less onerous for individuals over the age of 18 years

All individuals over the age of 18 years are allowed to declare their own gender identity under the Gender Recognition Act 2015.

Dear Karen, 

I live in a rural area in Ireland. My youngest child is transitioning and going forward wants to be known as Sarah. I am very supportive of them and want to help them as much as I can. They are about to turn 18 soon, and I do not know anything about this, and I am wondering can you offer me some advice or guidance on how I start the process for them or assist them in obtaining a Name Change and Gender Recognition Certificate?