Child characteristics
These are clearly generalisations, but some helpful features include:
- mental alertness to surroundings - at the extreme described as frozen watchfulness
- absent exploration but sustained vigilance
- increased appetite and disturbed feeding behaviours
- forming indiscriminate attachments in hospital
- seeking attention
- demonstrating aggressiveness
- immature play
- decreased inter-personal interaction
- dull, pale skin
- physically apathetic
- children with learning disabilities may be at greater risk of abuse.
Reference
- NICE. Child maltreatment: when to suspect maltreatment in under 18s. Clinical guideline CG89. Published July 2009, last updated October 2017.
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