Problematic Sexual Behavior in Children.

It is important for health care professionals to have a strong knowledge base of childhood sexual development, to know how to differentiate between problematic and normative sexual behaviors, and counsel parents accordingly given their assessment of the behaviors. A review of the literature suggests that sexual behaviors are a common occurrence in childhood, though some behaviors are rare regardless of age. Frequency of the behavior, developmental considerations, and the level of harm may help health care professionals assess whether the sexual behavior is typical or problematic. Research suggests that the development of problematic sexual behavior is related to a variety of child, family, developmental, and social factors. Recommendations for clinical care for this population are offered, and a case study highlights a health care professional's appropriate assessment and decision making.

Empirically-guided assessment of complex trauma for children in foster care: A focus on appropriate diagnosis of attachment concerns.

Complex trauma is defined as repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events perpetrated within the caregiving relationship during early childhood. Diagnostic decision making is challenging for this vulnerable population, given the widespread impact of these experiences across domains of developmental, social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. One domain, attachment, receives considerable attention for youth within the child welfare system, leading to frequent diagnosis of attachment disorders (i.e., reactive attachment disorder and disinhibited social engagement disorder). This is concerning, given the rarity, level of misunderstanding, associated stigma, and lack of psychometrically sound measures to assess attachment disorders. This article provides an overview of complex trauma and its effects, with a focus on attachment concerns. It subsequently describes one statewide assessment program for youth in the child welfare system with a history of experiencing complex trauma, elaborating on strengths and areas of future growth. A case study demonstrates the program's adherence to established guidelines and the resulting diagnoses and recommendations. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).