“ Longitudinal outcomes among internationally adopted children and their families ”

Internationally adopted children are known to be at risk for difficulties in a variety of cognitive domains compared to their non-adopted peers. Over the last few decades, many researchers have studied these cognitive outcomes and their predictors, identifying various adverse effects of early deprivation. However, most of these studies are cross-sectional, offering only a snapshot of the developmental process. Only a few studies have tracked the development of adopted children through a longitudinal study, and the oft-cited research has looked only at the outcomes of early severe deprivation. Dr. Helder’s study is a valuable addition to the existing literature in that it provides a longitudinal examination of adoptees from varying backgrounds. Through the combination of administration of a full neuropsychological battery and assessment of non-cognitive aspects of the adoption (such as parenting style, attachment etc) through parent and child interview, we are able to provide a comprehensive picture of the developmental process following an adoption. This year’s research marks the fourth and final wave of the study.