Glossary

Developmental delays are characterized by several developmental problems, which typically include below average intellectual functioning and late achievement of key physical milestones (such as sitting or walking). They are often associated with a lack of social skills and difficulty communicating.

The DSM is a publication by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) for the classification of mental disorders using a common language and standard criteria.

The DYP is responsible for enforcing the Youth Protection Act (YPA) in his region. The YPA applies to children and teenagers under 18 whose security or development is or may be considered to be in danger.

The act of making something (e.g. abuse) known.

Disengaged parenting is characterized by a lack of responsiveness to a child's needs. Uninvolved parents make few to no demands of their children and they are often indifferent, dismissive, or even completely neglectful.

A form of insecure attachment in which infants show no coherent or consistent behavior during separation from and reunion with their parents. Also called disoriented attachment.

Dissociative identity disorder is characterized by the presence of two or more distinct identities or "personality states" that alternately take control of the individual's behavior, accompanied by an inability to evoke personal memories.

Domestic violence is defined as isolated or repeated abusive behavior intended to control or harm a family member or significant other. It occurs in a variety of contexts and takes different forms, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. 

Dropping out means leaving high school, college, university for practical reasons, necessities, inability, or disillusionment with the system.