Abandoned child syndrome

Abandonded child syndrome is the behavioural or psychological attributes that a child develops as a result of one or both parents disappearing from their lives. It is very similar in nature to posttraumatic stress disorder, and symptoms include:

• Alienation from their environment
• Extreme changes in state of mind and depression
• Guilt
• Fear and uncertainty
• Sleep and eating disorders
• Physical ailments, such as fatigue

Children tend to relive the shocking event by way of games or play because the role of imagination is much greater for young people. Typically, abandoned children become increasingly guiet or aggressive, out or control, or hard to handle.

Many children suffering from abandoned child syndrome a left home of their own accord, or were forced out of their homes because the rejection, neglect, or abuse was so great.