Although children and adolescents with developmental disabilities are said to have higher risks of abuse than those without, trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are little examined in those diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Our study aims to assess trauma types, prevalence, risk factors and symptoms; and PTSD in…

Provides descriptive account of one common type of out-of-home placement for children, residential treatment center. Attempts to portray daily life in children's residential program by spending day with seven-year-old boy in residential treatment. Describes morning and school routine; afternoon routine of homework, chores, individual counseling,…

This study of 266 college students, using strict and liberal definitions of sexual abuse, suggests that adults who experienced childhood sexual abuse that involved touching are more suicidal and have less cognitive deterrents to suicide than adults who did not, regardless of gender or whether they were abused by adults or peers. (Author/JDD)

Despite signs of increasing agreement among mental health professionals, controversy continues over developmental, diagnostic, and intervention issues surrounding childhood depression. This introductory text is written for practitioners as well as for advanced undergraduates or graduate students who are preparing to become psychologists, social…

Determining whether one's child is just "going through a phase," is just a bit quirky but developing normally, or is in need of professional help can be a complex and confusing process for parents. This book provides parents and caregivers with practical information to differentiate normal and problematic child development, offers tips…

This chapter moves toward defining high-risk youth as young persons with low probabilities of gaining an education, getting a job, parenting effectively, or being able to participate in the political process. Five snapshots are presented of the latest information on the prevalence of the five categorical behaviors of interest: (1) substance abuse,…