Children with Disabilities

11. Factors associated with disability or health condition

Factors associated with impairments can lead to greater vulnerability to abuse. Behaviours indicative of abuse such as self-mutilation and repetitive behaviours may be misconstrued as part of a child’s impairment or health condition. It is of vital importance that professionals are adequately trained and alert to recognise indicators of potential abuse or changes in children, which might indicate that something is wrong, and to understand particular behaviours associated with impairments. (Gov.uk, July 2009)