Long-Term Developmental, Behavioral, and Attachment Outcomes After International Adoption

Children adopted internationally and their families are a heterogeneous group. Internationally-adopted children have been reported to have a range of developmental and behavioral difficulties. The authors describe the current evidence documenting developmental outcomes for children and common behavioral and mental health concerns including attachment difficulties that may impact children and their families after international adoption. Pediatricians must be thoughtful to individualize the care of adoptive children and not make assumptions shortly after adoption. It is critical to avoid using “standard” parenting advice that may not apply to children who have experienced loss, deprivation, separation, and instability in their early lives. By listening to families, carefully evaluating children, and monitoring progress over time, pediatricians can avoid the pitfall of oversimplifying and underestimating the complexity and challenges that these families face. Instead, pediatric primary care providers can play a key role in maximizing the potential of an internationally adopted child and his or her family.