Possible indicators of failure to thrive
See also:
| By themselves, these signs do not prove abuse or neglect. But they do tell us we need to know more about the child's circumstances. They can be the result of phenomena such as divorce, separation, death of a significant person or the arrival of a new sibling. That's why indicators must be assessed by professionals. The important thing to know is what the signs are, and how to report them if a child may need protection. |
- A child who has stopped growing and/or has experienced significant weight loss may be suffering from failure-to-thrive syndrome. Medical assessment is necessary to determine whether the syndrome is organic or non-organic in origin.
- The following physical
characteristics are often present in failure-to-thrive children:
- child appears pale, emaciated, has "sunken cheeks"
- child's body fat ratio is extremely low, e.g. wrinkled buttocks
- skin may feel like parchment paper as a result of dehydration
- prolonged vomiting and/or diarrhea
- child has not attained significant developmental milestones within their age range, e.g. cannot hold head up at six months of age, cannot walk at 18 months, etc.
- appears lethargic and undemanding (e.g. cries very little)
- uninterested in environment or surroundings
- displays little or no movement, (e.g. lies in crib motionless)
- is unresponsive to stimulation from strangers
- shows little stranger anxiety, (e.g. is indifferent to attention received from strangers)
Updated: June 13, 2008
