Below is a news release on a revised clinical report appearing in the May issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). To receive the full text of this report, please contact the AAP Department of Communications.

For Release: May 7 , 2007, 12:01 am (ET)

CHICAGO - The revised American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) clinical report "Maltreatment of Children With Disabilities," urges pediatricians to be especially alert to the signs or symptoms of abuse in children with disabilities. These children - diagnosed with mental retardation, emotional disturbance, visual impairment, learning or physical disabilities, behavioral and/or medical problems - accounted for at least 7.3 percent of the 872,000 reported child abuse victims in 2004. Children with disabilities face a greater risk of abuse, as they often place higher emotional, physical, economic, and social demands on their families and caregivers. This may be difficult as some children may be unable to verbalize their abuse, or understand that what took place was wrong. Pediatricians also should be aware that some child disabilities may cause injury or mimic abuse. If abuse is suspected after careful assessment, the pediatrician should immediately submit a report to the appropriate child protective service agency. Any child suspected of maltreatment should be evaluated for developmental, physical and mental health disabilities, and pediatricians should remain actively involved in the treatment of any abused or neglected child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.