RULE OUT ABUSE CAMPAIGN FOR PHYSICIANS (who treat children with intellectual and developmental disabilities)

Nora Baladerian

Disability and Abuse Project of Spectrum Institute

Dr. Nora J. Baladerian is a licensed psychologist in Los Angeles, California. She has been working with children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since the early 1980’s, and in 1985 began to focus on issues of sexual abuse in this population. She is the author of many articles, books, two law enforcement training DVD’s and was recognized by the U.S. Attorney General in 2008 for her work. She is the Executive Director of the Disability and Abuse Project of Spectrum Institute. In her clinic in Los Angeles, she provides trauma treatment for abuse victims with and without disabilities, including sexual abuse, homicide, work-related accidents, as well as domestic violence. She is fluent in Spanish. She is a well-recognized national authority on issues of abuse and disability.

Abstract

RULE OUT ABUSE CAMPAIGN FOR PHYSICIANS (who treat children with intellectual and developmental disabilities) ABSTRACT: Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of abuse than their... [ view full abstract ]

RULE OUT ABUSE CAMPAIGN FOR PHYSICIANS (who treat children with intellectual and developmental disabilities)

ABSTRACT: Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at a higher risk of abuse than their typically developing peers. The parents are not routinely advised of this higher risk of abuse. Physicians may not be aware of the higher risk. In many cases, children who are abused while at school or in care programs, have significant changes in their physical well-being, moods, routines, physical habits (eating, toileting, sleep), and interactional conduct. Yet, when parents report these changes, physicians seek a medical cause but do not rule-out abuse as a possible source of the changes. Yet, when comparing a list of the changes reported by parents and known signs of abuse, the often are a match. To hasten recognition of abuse, the Rule Out Abuse Educational Campaign for Physicians has been developed. In about 20 minutes, the physician is made aware of the increased risk of abuse, signs of abuse both generic and typical of children with disabilities. The physician is encouraged to add “abuse” to the possible underlying cause of aberrant conduct or physical maladies a child may be presenting. The physician can also provide to parents the Ten Tips for parents to advise them to be aware of signs of abuse and what to do when these appear in their child.

Objectives:

Participant will be able to:

1. …cite current statistics on abuse of children with intellectual/developmental disabilities

2. …identify signs of abuse of children with disabilities

3. …list benefits of physician education campaign

Method: Lecture, discussion

Results: Increased awareness by of abuse of children with disabilities, typical symptom manifestation, and access to a free informational resource.

Conclusions: Increased assessment for possible abuse. Improved awareness of parents on risks and signs of abuse.

Authors

Nora Baladerian (Disability and Abuse Project of Spectrum Institute)

Topic Area

Physical and Emotional/Psychological Abuse and Neglect

Session

Oral 30 » Session 1-Child Physical & Emotional Abuse (09:00 - Wednesday, 4th October, Antarctica Room)

Presentation Files

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