Physical Abuse of Preschoolers: Identification and Intervention Through Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Child abuse is a major public health concern in the United States, one that has negative consequences on abused persons' productivity and mental health throughout their lives. Occupational therapists who work with preschool-aged children are in a strategic position to screen for physical abuse and aid in the rehabilitation of children and families engaged in abuse. This article provides a review of the literature and accounts of clinical experience with children and families in a variety of settings. It offers an overview of behavioral risk factors that have been shown to correlate with physical abuse, including how these factors can be observed within the context of an occupational therapy evaluation. Guidelines for interacting with child protective services via reporting suspected cases of child abuse and working collaboratively with such agencies are provided. Strategies for occupational therapy intervention with abused children and their parents are described. These strategies include using activities to facilitate positive parent-child interaction, educating parents regarding child development and management techniques, and facilitating children's psychosocial development.

Baba tarafından ikiz çocuk istismarı

“…Insufficient proofs, wrong information and cultural and traditional values may lead to ignoring of abuse (1)(2)(3). Child abuse and neglect can emerge in very different ways ranging from growth retardation due to inadequate feeding to emotional abuse by verbal statements and even to severe physical and sexual abuse (2)(3)(4). In this case report, we emphasized the significance of disciplined approach and collaboration of legal, healthcare and social institutions in diagnosis, treatment and protection of the twins abused by their own father physically and the fact that each missed case of abuse can come up as a more severe case in time.…”

Occupational therapy in treating children with developmental delays who have been abused or neglected: A case study

“…Occupational therapists working with children who have experienced abuse or neglect can function in a range of roles; they may provide emotional, developmental, group, play or other therapy (Davidson, 1994). This case study addresses the specific need to tailor developmental interventions to incorporate the emotional and psychological needs of a child who has been abused.…”

The impact of child abuse on children's play: a conceptual model

“…This involvement includes both direct referrals and secondary prevention programmes which support at-risk children and their families (Wright, 1994;Esdaile, 1996). Furthermore, there is also an increased risk of child abuse occurring in families with a 'high needs', disabled or developmentally delayed child (Davidson, 1995). These more vulnerable groups of children often make up a sizeable proportion of the paediatric occupational therapy caseload.…”