Developmental Issues in Abused and Neglected Children (From Child Abuse and Neglect: Guidelines for Identification, Assessment, and Case Management, P 191-196, 2003, Marilyn Strachan Peterson and Michael Durfee, eds. -- See NCJ-200932)

• NCJ Number: 200965
• Author(s): Theresa Witt Ph.D.; Robin L. Hansen M.D.
• Date Published: 2003
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Volcano Press, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview; Instructional Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

After reviewing the nature of developmental disorders in children, this chapter discusses indicators for making a referral for an evaluation; the impact of abuse and neglect on a child's development; a formal developmental evaluation; and the roles of the clinical psychologist, the developmental-behavioral pediatrician, and the social worker in developmental evaluations.

Abstract

Many developmental disorders in children are the result of biological and environmental risk factors. Among the environmental risk factors are child neglect and abuse. To ensure that children receive the best possible care, a specialized multidisciplinary developmental evaluation should be performed for children suspected of having developmental problems. Guidelines for referral for a developmental evaluation include delays in reaching early developmental milestones, language delay, hyperactivity or behavior problems, regression of skills, school or learning problems, atypical behaviors, a history of prenatal drug exposure, the inability to understand or follow directions, or a history of child neglect and abuse. Numerous studies have documented the high incidence of developmental disorders in the foster care population. A formal child developmental evaluation requires a multidisciplinary team that uses an ecological developmental mode that recognizes the complex relationship between the developing person and his/her environment. A clinical psychologist helps to assess knowledge and processing abilities through observation and structured methods. A developmental-behavioral pediatrician evaluates a child to assess deviations in development and behavior, as well as to determine specific etiologies of these problems. A social worker provides a psychosocial assessment of current family functioning and obtains a family history of developmental, education, social, and psychiatric disorders. The results of the evaluations can be used for early intervention, treatment planning, the forming of collaborative relationships, and follow-up. A relevant case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 24 suggested readings and references