inappropriate expectations, lack of empathy role play among children with intellectual disabilities -
Children with developmental disabilities are at greater risk of abuse and the parental neglect as children developing at a typical pace. Until now, there was little evidence of specific parenting behaviors that have been associated with risk, but SLU study finds inappropriate expectations and lack of empathy are important in triggering risk.
Debra Zand, PhD., Associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University and principal investigator of the project, conducted the study in a small group of parents in St. Louis with 67 participants . The study results were published in Clinical Pediatrics .
"We know that children with delays or development problems are 1.7 times more likely to abuse than non-disabled children. In this study, we wanted to explore areas of behavior or reaction of a parent that could increase the risk, "said Zand.
Zand and his team recruited a group of parents (diverse in race, education and income) with children who have disabilities. His team found that parents should ever empathized unless the parents of children who are not disabled. behavioral measurement other categories included attitudes about punishment, roles perceived parent-child and oppress the power and independence of children.
"We found that parents have higher expectations of their children, which can lead ask them to perform at a much higher level than what they are capable, "said Zand. "We also saw that the parents did not sympathize much towards the needs that parents of typically developing children of their children, suggesting that these parents can not understand the needs or feelings of their children."
This group of parents often feel stressed and frustrated when their children do not perform according to their expectations, which can lead to abusive behavior towards children, Zand explained.
she said that it is acceptable to push the kids a little out of their comfort zone, so they can grow and learn. But more often, the parents have difficulty understanding the experience of their child and eventually expect more from them.
Zand believes pediatricians should assess parental attitudes that could increase the risk of child abuse and impede the child to reach their full potential.
"Parents often learn the appropriate parental behavior of a doctor, so that pediatricians can educate them about healthy ways to cope with their children," said Zand. "It can be an interactive session in which parents can ask pediatricians suggestions on how to improve the situation for children."
It is also important for pediatricians to educate parents about the difference between spoiling a child and attend to his or her needs, Zand said.
"in addition to this, parents need to find strong social support groups and participate in activities that help them to be happy and to feel competent," she said.
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