The World of Neglect

Mark StenzelEDC 502

What does it feel like?

Feelin

g a loss

Abandoned

Ignored

Alone

Overview Statistics

Definition

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect

Long-term Effects

How to help

Effects on the Counseling Process

Fact: In 2006, there were 905,000 reported victims of child abuse or neglect

What is Child Abuse and Neglect?

• RCW 26-44-020 (12) defines abuse and neglect as injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment or maltreatment of a child by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. Abuse and neglect does NOT include the physical discipline of a child as defined in RCW 9A.16.100.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okeRuvG5inM

Statistics on Recognized Neglect

Signs and Symptoms of Neglect

Signs• Child wears soiled clothing

• Not dressed for the weather

• Always seems hungry

• Poor hygiene

• Minimal facial expressions

• Failure to thrive

Symptoms• At 12 months-symptoms begin• 2 years old-deficits with coping

skills, frustration, anger, non-compliance

• Depression can begin as early as age 3

• Preschool-low esteem, poor problem solving skills, dependent with tasks

• Kindergarten-less secure in readiness to learn, inattentive, uninvolved, lacks creativity, lacks confidence in own work

Long term Effects of Neglect

Malnutrition

Iron Deficiency

Cognitive/Motor DelaysProblems with AttentionSocial Problems DepressionAnxiety

Long term Effects of Neglect

• Physical Ailments as a Result of Neglect– Allergies– Arthritis– Asthma– Bronchitis– High Blood Pressure– Ulcers

Long term Effects of Neglect

• Cognitive Effects– Depression– Anxiety– Eating Disorders– Panic Disorder– Dissociative Disorder– ADHD– Anger– PTSD– Reactive Attachment Disorder

Long term Effects of Neglect

• Social Issues Regarding Neglect Victims

– Antisocial Traits

– Borderline Disorders

– Violent Behavior

Long term Effects of Neglect

• Behaviors of Neglected Children– Delinquency– Teen Pregnancy– Low Academic Achievement– Drug Use– Alcohol Abuse– Smoking– Sexual Risk-taking

Long term Effects of Neglect

• Grown child victims of neglect score low in areas of Language, Reading, and Mathematics

• Even at age 28, those neglected in childhood score lower on IQ tests

• Victims of neglect often become passive and socially withdrawn (unlike aggressiveness and angry outbursts as seen in abused children)

How do we help those who have been neglected?

• Individual Psychotherapy-learn to love and care for self

• Group Therapy-feel less alone and develop empathy for others with similar feelings

• Couples Therapy-many neglected seek a partner that neglects, while others seek another neglected person

• Parental Education-learn proper parenting so mistakes aren’t repeated

How do we help those who have been neglected?

• Older Friends-this can help form a positive older role model

• Spirituality-regardless of religion, the belief in a higher being forms a parental love

• Read-there are many books available written by neglected individuals and how they overcame the feelings they have

My Daughters-Adopted From A Neglectful Home

Sharon Deanna

How Does Neglect Effect the Counseling Process?

Victims are able to develop tolerance for and manage emotions

They transform negative beliefs about the self

Learn new patterns of behavior

Neglect sufferers grieve the abuse or trauma experience

Increase ability to accept and let go of the past

Summary• Signs/symptoms of neglect

• Long term effects of neglect

• Adaptation strategies

References• http://childparenting.about.com/cs/familyissues/a/heroes.htm

• http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.cfm

• http://psychcentral.com/lib/2008/recovering-from-childhood-neglect/

• http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/neglect/neglect.pdf

• http://www.enotalone.com/article/9892.html

• http://www.dshs.wa.gov/ca/safety/abuseWhat.asp?2

• http://www.madisonmentalhealthcounselor.com/abusehel.html#Q2

Questions?