American Academy of Pediatrics

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in the following viewpoint, children with disabilities are more likely to be neglected and physically and sexually abused than children without disabilities. The authors assert that children with disabilities place higher emotional, physical, economic, and social demands on their families, which increases the risk of abuse by caregivers with limited social or community support. Moreover, the authors maintain, many children with disabilities are considered easy targets because their impaired communication abilities prevent them from disclosing abuse. The AAP supports the health, safety, and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why is it difficult to evaluate research on the relationship between disabilities and child abuse, according to the academy"
2. What are some of the elements the...