Appropriate support from caregivers can help children grow into healthy and happy individuals while neglecting to provide such care can interfere with a child’s emotional growth and cognitive development. Neglect develops when a child’s basic needs are not adequately met, often negatively impacting them. Here, recognizing and addressing the signs of child neglect through timely intervention, support, and protection can help ensure all-around well-being.

Signs of child neglect
Poor hygiene
A common sign of neglect in children is poor hygiene and cleanliness. The child would consistently show up in clothes that are unwashed, torn, inappropriate for the weather, ill-fitting or untidy. Additionally, the child could have messy hair or nails, have skin rashes, or even show signs of poor oral hygiene. With toddlers and infants, the signs are different. Poor hygiene due to neglect will most often manifest as frequent diaper rashes. This occurs when the child is left in dirty diapers for too long, is not cleaned during diaper changes, or is wrapped in unclean reusable diapers. Most diaper rashes clear up in 2-3 days if properly treated.

Slow cognitive development
Consistent neglect can affect a child’s ability to reach standard developmental milestones. The absence of an actively responsive relationship can cause the child to develop problems in learning, solving problems, and socializing. Neglect can cause cognitive delays, issues with the body’s stress response, or even stunting of physical growth. Over time, neglected children could develop poor language and social skills, making it difficult for them to function in society.

Frequent health issues
Poor health is a common sign of child neglect and can be the result of poor nutrition, hygiene, lack of proper sleep, and inadequate emotional support. The child may become susceptible to infections leading to frequent bouts of flu and skin problems such as rashes, ringworms, scabies, flea bites, or sores.