The word "them" has been used for centuries in cases where the writer may want to refer to a subject, or subjects, of no specific gender. I wonder why it's suddenly bothering you.
I think the parent’s point was that “them” is referring to a group that is “other than normal”, and that that should raise caution.
(Not agreeing or disagreeing, simply trying to infer the meaning.)
jader201|7 months ago
jibal|7 months ago
Misquote. The statement was "What's better for them should be the overriding concern and that's to have a normal development".