Developmental and behavioral characteristics of the physically abused child

Abstract Twenty one abused children were compared to non‐abused children matched on the basis of social class and family structure. A greater proportion of abused than non‐abused children exhibited delayed or low normal intellectual and communication skills based on parent report (Developmental Profile) and child testing (developmental test and PPVT). Preschool abused children were reported by mothers to display more non‐normal behaviors than non‐abused preschool children, and more school‐age children were classified as having poor self‐ and school‐adjustment by their mothers' report compared to non‐abused school‐age children. Abuse and factors contributing to it are seen as placing children at high risk for a variety of problems, and attention to their emotional and developmental status is indicated.