Specific problems vary depending upon the nature, intensity, duration,
and timing of neglect and abuse. Some children will have profound and
obvious problems; others will have very subtle problems that do not seem
to relate to early life neglect. Some possibilities:
- Developmental delays: Lack of consistent and enriched
experiences in early childhood can cause delays in motor, language,
social, and cognitive development.
- Eating: Children may hoard and hide food, or eat as if the food will disappear any
moment. They may fail to thrive, vomit, and have
swallowing problems.
- Soothing behavior: Children may use primitive and bizarre
soothing behaviors, especially when stressed. They may bang their
heads, rock, chant, scratch, or bite/cut themselves.
- Emotional functioning: A range of emotional issues is common in maltreated children. A common
trait is “indiscriminate attachment,” affectionate behaviors with
relatively unknown people to secure safety rather than develop an
emotional bond.
- Inappropriate modeling: Children model adult behavior. Children who
have been sexually abused are at-risk of being further victimized or
perpetrating on younger children.
- Aggression: Childhood aggression and
cruelty often result from a lack of empathy and poor impulse control.
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