Neurodevelopmental problems in adulthood following severe early deprivation

A qualitative analysis of clinical needs and service user experiences

Bibliographic Data

ID11941226
AuthorsChristopher Edwards (0000-0002-0685-4248, King's College London), Mark Kennedy (0000-0002-0545-8315, King's College London, corresponding author), Nicky Knights (0000-0003-2703-4609, University of Southampton), Hanna Kovshoff (0000-0001-6041-0376, University of Southampton), Jana Kreppner (0000-0003-3527-9083, University of Southampton), Barbara Maughan (0000-0002-8887-3484, King's College London), Edmund Sonuga‐barke (0000-0002-6996-3935, King's College London), Edmund Sonuga-Barke (King's College London)
Year2024
Volume48
Issue1
Pages106-125
Publication date2024-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAdoption & Fostering (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0308-5759 • E-ISSN: 1740-469X
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/03085759231212497
OpenAlexW4393037805
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited39

Severe, prolonged early deprivation is associated with later neurodevelopmental difficulties. Despite elevated levels of contact with service providers, these problems often persist into adult life and are associated with impairment in adulthood (e.g., unemployment, higher rates of depression and anxiety symptoms and poorer subjective wellbeing). Here, we aimed to explore the ongoing service needs and experiences of adoptees and their parents from the English and Romanian Adoptees (ERA) study, in those with a history of early deprivation and neurodevelopmental problems. Our descriptive thematic analysis highlighted difficulties with independent living, particularly financial management and problems with decision-making. Where specific forms of support had been accessed (e.g., medication for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) they were often helpful, although there was some ambivalence towards taking medication due to side effects. However, the neurodevelopmental problems were not well understood and were often overlooked by service providers. There is a need for greater awareness among frontline service providers of the neurodevelopmental impact of early adversity. Participants also identified that their support needs were largely unmet and that their parents were having to fill this gap. Similarities and differences between the experiences highlighted here and those identified with idiopathic neurodevelopmental disorders are discussed, as are several recommendations for educational improvements for service providers

Developmental psychology · Maternal deprivation · Qualitative research · Service (business · Sociology · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Child Welfare and Adoption · Psychology

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