Childhood Development & International Adoption
The development of children who are adopted internationally is effected by many factors, according to the University of Minnesota's Adoption Medicine Program. Orphanage life, prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, poor nutrition and infectious diseases are examples of these factors. However, with careful monitoring and early intervention, long-term effects can be minimized for many children.
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Motor Development
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Hours confined in cribs and the lack of opportunities to play can result in significant gross and fine motor skill delays. An infant may have difficulty holding up his head or sitting up. A toddler or older child may have coordination difficulties, generalized weakness and not be able climb stairs until later than his peers.
Cognitive Development
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The lack of toys and a safe, stimulating environment may delay cognitive development. Illness, prenatal exposure to alcohol and lead poisoning can also cause cognitive delays. An infant may seem disinterested in toys and not turn to lights, colors and voices. Older children may have memory and problem-solving difficulties.
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Language Development
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Lack of interaction during crucial early periods delays language development. This can cause a baby to be slow to babble and copy sounds. An older child may have less advanced language skills than her peers. These delays are further complicated by the abrupt transition from one language to another that typically occurs during international adoption.
Social Development
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Social development generally reflects survival skills learned prior to adoption. Neglect, abuse and poor role models can cause extreme introversion or extroversion--sometimes referred to as indiscriminate friendliness. The internationally adopted child may also demonstrate aggressive behaviors and have difficulty relating to peers.
Emotional Development
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Neglect, trauma and multiple caregivers cause significant stress and can diminish a child's ability to attach. Delayed emotional development may initially be manifested by inconsolably crying, avoiding eye contact, anger issues and rejecting parental efforts to connect. Children also suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. PTSD symptoms vary, but may present as disassociating when anxious, excessive daydreaming or aggression.
Considerations
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Developmental delays in children who have been adopted internationally can seem overwhelming. Close monitoring by a pediatrician familiar with international adoption and early intervention by therapists and education professionals can help significantly.
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References
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