Which behavior is a sign that a child may have been subjected to abuse during an admission assessment?

A child exhibiting extreme shyness or fearfulness can be a significant indicator of potential abuse. Such behaviors often stem from trauma and indicate a heightened state of anxiety in new or possibly threatening situations. This fearfulness may manifest as an inability to engage with caregivers or other children, withdrawal from social interactions, or a noticeable reluctance to explore their environment.

In the context of abuse, fearfulness can result from a range of abusive experiences, whether physical, emotional, or neglectful. It reflects a child's learned response to an environment where they feel unsafe or threatened. Children who have been abused may also have difficulty trusting adults or peers, which further manifests as shyness.

The other behaviors presented do not typically indicate signs of abuse. For instance, excessive affection toward strangers might suggest a lack of boundaries or attachment issues, which could arise from various backgrounds, but doesn’t inherently signify abuse. Similarly, assertiveness with peers or showing maturity beyond their years could be understood as healthy development or personality traits and do not provide sufficient evidence of trauma or abuse.