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. 2008 Sep;14(5):453-69.
doi: 10.1080/09297040802244136. Epub 2008 Aug 4.

Incidence of specific absolute neurocognitive impairment in globally intact children with histories of early severe deprivation

Michael E Behen  1 , Emily Helder, Robert Rothermel, Katherine Solomon, Harry T Chugani
Affiliations

Incidence of specific absolute neurocognitive impairment in globally intact children with histories of early severe deprivation

Michael E Behen et al. Child Neuropsychol. 2008 Sep.

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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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Incidence of global impairment in the full sample (a), and incidence of specific impairment in the globally intact group (b)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Duration of time spent in orphanage by impairment group
Figure 3
Figure 3
Percentage of full sample (N=85) with impairment by duration of time in orphanage
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of globally intact (n=54) sample with impairment by duration of time in orphanage
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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