Emotional, physical, and educational neglect can affect a child’s cognitive and social development. Later, this may manifest as stunted growth or development of mental illnesses like depression, panic attacks, and bipolar or anxiety disorder. Children may find it difficult to express their needs to the right people and may normalize neglect and exhibit abnormal behavior as a coping mechanism. Adults can look for the following signs of neglect and find ways to assist a child.

Poor hygiene and unsuitable clothing
A child who is neglected by their caregiver may show signs of poor hygiene. This includes wearing consistently dirty, soiled, ill-fitting clothes or having unwashed or disheveled hair.

Odd eating behavior
Unusual eating habits, such as hiding or hoarding food or eating quickly out of concern that it would vanish at any moment, are key signs that a child has been neglected.

Behavioral extremes
A neglected child may be unable to receive attention, reacting unnaturally to it. They may either cry excessively, run away, or shut down.

Inability to connect with peers
A common sign of neglect is a child finding it difficult to connect with kids their own age. One should recognize this sign when the child cannot establish friendships or is unresponsive to friendliness.

Sadness or fatigue
A neglected child may be unusually quiet or seem weak or fatigued, showing little signs of delight.

Fear
Children fearful of their parents, caregivers, or other people, in general, may be neglected at home.

Attention-seeking behavior
A neglected child may show signs of needing attention, care, or love by acting out in public or getting aggressive at school.

Delayed development
Delay in developing speech and language, cognitive, motor function, play, and social skills may be signs of neglect. While this could also indicate genetic issues or health conditions, examining the cause may be helpful.

Low self-esteem
A child may carry feelings of worthlessness and feel shame in sharing their concerns.

Feeling distracted
A neglected child may also be distracted or have an impaired attention span.

Ways to help
Focus on the cause: Adults wanting to reach out to a neglected child must first understand the reasons for the child’s odd behavior. Instead of scolding a kid for inappropriate behavior like stealing food or getting aggressive, one should observe their patterns and work with the child to determine the cause.

Interact, reassure, and nurture: By speaking in a calming and sympathetic manner, one may be able to communicate with a child on an emotional level. It is important to be patient and keep reassuring the child that they are safe. A neglected kid may be slow to trust and open up. One can offer to hug, rock, or hold a child once they feel comfortable. One should seek the child’s consent before attempting any act of kindness.

Be consistent and predictable: A child neglected by caretakers may feel unsafe around elders. To make them feel secure, one should be consistent and predictable in their actions and efforts to reach out. Once trust is established, they can teach the child about healthy relationships and behavior.

Sponsor a child: One can consider sponsoring a child to cover their costs for school, healthcare, clothes, food, housing, and, if necessary, a visa. To get started, one can contact a healthcare professional, a local child welfare organization, or the police department.