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Homelessness and cognitive performance in children: a possible link.
B Y Whitman1, P Accardo, M Boyert
1School of Social Service, St. Louis University, MO 63104.
Social Work
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Homelessness significantly impacts children's cognitive and language development, with language skills being more affected. Emotional issues were not detected in this study of children in family shelters.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Pediatric Health
- Social Work
Background:
- Homelessness presents unique challenges to child development.
- Children experiencing homelessness often lack access to consistent developmental support.
- Understanding the specific needs of this population is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the developmental impact of homelessness on children.
- To evaluate cognitive, language, and emotional status in children in family shelters.
- To highlight the need for specialized programming and advocacy for homeless children.
Main Methods:
- A screening battery was administered to 88 children in a family shelter program.
- Assessments focused on cognitive delays, language delays, and emotional status.
- Data analysis identified developmental impacts associated with homelessness.
Main Results:
- Homelessness showed a potential significant impact on both cognitive and language development.
- Language development appeared to be more severely affected than cognitive development.
- Screening instruments did not detect emotional pathology in the studied children.
Conclusions:
- Homelessness may negatively affect children's cognitive and language development, particularly language skills.
- Current screening tools may not capture all emotional challenges faced by homeless children.
- Social workers must advocate for tailored educational and support services for homeless children.