Incidence of Specific Absolute Neurocognitive Impairment in Globally Intact Children with Histories of Early Severe Deprivation |
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| Authors: | Michael E. Behen Emily Helder Robert Rothermel Katherine Solomon Harry T. Chugani |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan , Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan, USA;2. Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Michigan , Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan, USA mbehen@pet.wayne.edu;4. Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan , Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan, USA;5. Department of Neurology, Children's Hospital of Michigan , Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan, USA;6. Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Michigan , Wayne State University , Detroit, Michigan, USA |
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| Abstract: | Postnatal deprivation is associated with neurocognitive delay/dysfunction. Although “catch up” in global cognition following adoption has been reported, this study examined the incidence of specific absolute impairment in adopted children with intact global cognitive functioning. Eighty-five children (38 males, mean age = 112.8, SD = 30.3 months; range 61–209 months) raised from birth in orphanages underwent comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation. Fifty-four were deemed globally intact (IQ > 85). Of those deemed globally intact, 46% evidenced absolute impairment in at least one domain of functioning. Duration of stay in the orphanage was directly associated with incidence of impairment and number of domains affected. A substantial proportion of participants evidenced persistent, absolute impairment in one or more domains of neurocognitive function despite integrity of basic intellectual functions. |
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| Keywords: | Neuropsychology Deprivation Assessment Specific impairment Institutionalization |
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