An Exploratory Study of the Knowledge of Personal Safety Skills Among Children with Developmental Disabilitites and Their Parents

Background This study assessed the knowledge of
personal safety skills among children with
developmental disabilities and their parents’ perceptions
of children’s knowledge.
Method This exploratory study examined the mental
health records of 37 children with developmental
disabilities referred for an abuse risk reduction group in
a community mental health setting. Qualitative analysis
of children’s responses to questions about personal
safety skills (knowledge related to physical development
and personal safety, an appropriate and inappropriate
touch and safety skills to respond to an inappropriate
touch) indicated participants’ varied and inconsistent
levels of knowledge.
Results Consistent with the literature, the results indicate
risk factors for sexual abuse among children with
developmental disabilities, including children’s
difficulty distinguishing between an appropriate and
inappropriate touch and the lack of knowledge
regarding appropriate venues for disclosing an
inappropriate touch. Among parents, a lack of certainty
regarding their children’s knowledge and the ability to
keep themselves safe was identified.
Conclusion Results support the need for education about
personal safety for children with developmental
disabilities and their families.