Clinical Findings Among Sexually Abused Children With and Without Developmental Disabilities

Although children with developmental disabilities have a heightened risk for sexual abuse compared to those without disabilities, little is known about effects of sexual abuse on this population. Some researchers suggest that the effects are similar, and victims appear to share the same range of variability as people without disabilities. Others suggest that the effects may be complicated by limited coping resources and disability-related issues. Documented effects of sexual abuse on individuals with developmental disabilities was discussed. Clinical findings among a group of 43 children with and 43 children without developmental disabilities referred for treatment of child sexual abuse were also presented.