Developmental Considerations for Pediatric Unintentional Injury Prevention

Abstract

Injuries are the leading cause of pediatric mortality, but risks vary across child and adolescent development. As children grow, they develop physical size and strength, cognitive skills, motor abilities, and different socialization patterns. Each of these changes impacts injury risk. The authors review developmentally relevant risk factors and prevention strategies, providing information clinicians can share while counseling pediatric patients and their families. Also addressed are considerations for children with developmental differences, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and sensory impairments.