Children with Disabilities

23. Impeding the safeguarding of children with disabilities

Over-identifying with the parent or carer. This can lead to reluctance in accepting that abuse or neglect is taking place, or seeing it as being attributable to the stress of caring for a disabled child.

A lack of understanding about the impact of a disability on a child, or health conditions that may present as signs of possible abuse – for example, fragile bones.

• A lack of knowledge about what is 'normal' or usual behaviour for that particular child
• Not understanding a child's method of communication
• Confusing or making assumptions about behaviours that indicate a child may be being abused with those behaviours associated with the child's disability or impairment
• Failing to identify a child's behaviour that indicates stress; sexually harmful or self-injury can be indicative of abuse.

(Blackpool Council, 2024c)