Childhood sexual abuse reported by facilitated communication.
Facilitated communication remains an unproven and controversial strategy for nonspeaking children with developmental disabilities. It is possible that the process may be influenced by the facilitator. The evaluation of alleged sexual abuse reported by FC must include a full psychosocial history, complete physical examination for evidence of abuse, and the assessment of the child's communicative competence. The demonstration of communicative competence requires a strategy similar to that utilized with Carla. The successful documentation of the child's communication of general information should precede the pursuit of specific abuse issues.
Dept of Pediatrics, Children's Medical Center, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville.
S L
SL
Hostler
J H
JH
Allaire
R A
RA
Christoph
D002648:Child; D002650:Child Abuse, Sexual / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003143:Communication Devices for People with Disabilities; D003147:Communication Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male