Behavioral signs of maltreatment might include all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. A child's desire to only color at free choice time
• B. Frequent crying or withdrawal
• C. Sudden changes in behavior
• D. Unexplained injuries

Answer: (A)

Behavioral signs of maltreatment are clues that a child may be distressed or lacking a sense of safety. The option about wanting to color only during free-choice time isn’t by itself a warning sign of maltreatment; it’s more likely a normal preference or coping style during unstructured moments. In contrast, frequent crying or withdrawal suggests emotional distress, sudden changes in behavior can reflect trauma or new stress, and unexplained injuries raise safety and protective concerns. So, the exception—the sign that doesn’t typically indicate maltreatment—is the preference to color only during free-choice time.