![Home](/images/nav-2nd/home.gif) ![chapters](/images/nav-2nd/chapters.gif) ![Triage](/images/nav2/triage.gif) ![History](/images/nav2/history.gif) ![Physical Examination](/images/nav2/physical.gif) ![Laboratory](/images/nav2/laboratory.gif) ![Radiology](/images/nav2/radiology.gif) ![Diagnosis](/images/nav2/diagnosis.gif) ![](/images/nav2/treatment.gif) ![Documentation](/images/nav2/documentation.gif) ![Reporting](/images/nav2/reporting.gif) ![Foster Care](/images/nav2/foster.gif)
![Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Overview](/images/nav-2nd/children/overview.gif) ![Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Myths](/images/nav-2nd/children/children-myths.gif) ![Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Risk Factors](/images/nav-2nd/children/children-risks-lit.gif) ![Children and Adolescents with Disabilities: Responding to Abuse](/images/nav-2nd/children/children-responding.gif)
![Juvenile Sexualized Behavior](/images/nav2/juvenile.gif) ![Multidisciplinary Approach](/images/nav2/multidisciplinary.gif) ![Legal Issues](/images/nav2/legal.gif) ![Appendices](/images/nav2/appendices.gif) ![spacer](/images/blue-spacer.gif) ![About Us](/images/nav-2nd/about.gif) ![Contact](/images/nav-2nd/contact.gif) ![Acknowledgements](/images/nav-2nd/acknowledgements.gif)
|
|
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES: Risk Factors
In addition to the common risk factors for all children and adolescents, those with disabilities are vulnerable because they:
-
May have developmental or communication difficulties that make disclosure of abuse difficult or impossible
-
May lack correct information or education about abuse prevention, sexuality, and self-protection strategies (e.g., the right to say "no")
-
May not understand the difference between a hygienic touch, an affectionate touch, or an abusive touch
-
May have physical disabilities that prevent them from defending themselves or getting away
-
May depend on others to meet even their most basic needs (bathing, toileting, feeding) which creates an extreme imbalance of power
-
May have a desire to please or may have cognitive difficulties that make them overly trusting and easier to trick
|
|