Psychologists are increasingly being approached by agencies concerned with child care to detect emotional abuse and often have to testify as expert witnesses. Determining whether seriously impaired development is present requires knowledge of normal development, comments on whether an individual child varies from the usual developmental pathways, views on environmental influences that differ in quality or quantity from the optimum, and information on the possibilities for change. In the case of two children whose mother, a striptease artist, moved frequently, assessments of intelligence quotients over time established regression or cessation of normal development. Similarly, a mildly mentally handicapped child was shown to have retarded development when at home but marked improvement in a children's home. Finally, a normal 2-year-old girl was observed in separate interactions with her abusive mother and her foster mother. The observations showed strong contrasts in the child's ease of manner and in the verbal initiatives and responses by the adults. Psychologists can use all these types of assessments to establish emotional abuse. Early consultation with a psychologist is recommended when it is suspected that a child's development may be seriously impaired through a disadvantaged environment. Tables, figure, and 11 references. (Author abstract modified)