Factors that impact on child development
The challenges experienced at each stage of development by a child adopted from overseas are similar to those experienced by a child born in Australia. However, there are a number of additional factors that may impact on the development of a child adopted from overseas.
If you are considering adopting a child from overseas, it is important that you understand these additional factors before a child is placed in your care. These are:
- 1. Genetics
- 2. Pre-natal trauma
- 3. A child's age at the time of adoption
- 4. Country of origin
- 5. Institutional care
- 6. Separation and loss
- 7. Insecure attachment
- Activity 3 - Kelly's story
- The impact of attachment on a child's development
1. Genetics
A child's genetic make-up is instrumental in the development of intelligence, temperament, personality and artistic talent.
Dan was just six months old when he was adopted into the James' family. David and Catherine already had two birth sons. Dan was five years younger than their youngest child. As the children matured, the differences between them became obvious. Dan was taller and stronger than Matt and Joe. The James' birth children were studious, quiet and musically talented. They were following unwritten rules that in order to be accepted in this home, everyone does well in school, studies hard and masters a musical instrument.
Dan's lack of interest in both school and music was viewed by his adoptive parents as undesirable, almost unthinkable. They refused to allow him to pursue his strong interest in sports. Matt and Joe never played on 'Little League' teams, so Dan didn't need to either.
By failing to unwrap the crucial genetic package Dan carried into their home, David and Catherine James widened the differences in the relationship. Their expectations for Dan would never be fulfilled. By the time he left home at 18, he felt inadequate and inept. Worst of all, he felt that he belonged nowhere.
2. Pre-natal trauma
Includes foetal distress, parental substance abuse during pregnancy, ambivalence or rejection of pregnancy by the mother or medical interventions.
Research suggests that biological mothers may be subjected to personal and social stress during and after pregnancy. These factors may be especially prevalent in women from developing countries who experience financial and social stress. There may be a lack of antenatal care and as a result, children may be born underweight.
Refer to the list of suggested reading for further information on pre-natal trauma.
3. A child's age at the time of adoption
Cognitive, educational, emotional and social development is more likely to be advanced in children adopted at infancy compared to older children.
Research suggests that there is an increased risk in developing behavioural problems and making greater demands on their adopted parents for older children who are placed for adoption.
Refer to the list of suggested reading for further information.
4. Country of origin
Cultural differences between a child's country of origin and their adopted parents may have a significant impact on the child's transition and adjustment to their family in Australia.
Susan was becoming increasingly worried about her new three-month-old Korean-born daughter, Kim. Kim cried every time Susan put her down to accomplish some work around the house. Susan wasn't getting anything done. More importantly, she wondered if something was wrong with the baby.
A short time later, Susan learned at an adoptive parents group that Korean mothers carry their infants on their back while they work. Kim's problem was that she wanted the closeness she was used to sensing. Susan thought that she would give it a try. She learned how to wrap the child on her back. It was awkward at first, but she soon realised that she enjoyed the closeness. Best of all, Kim stopped crying.
5. Institutional care
The development of a child who has experienced institutional care varies considerably to a child who has lived with a foster family or their birth parents.
Research suggests that the most severe factor of institutionalisation is the absence of a consistent and sensitive care giver to build trust and a healthy attachment with the child. The lack of care experienced by the child before their placement with an adoptive family often results in poorer development of a child's psychosocial and behavioural adjustment.
Also, the development of children who have spent an extended period of time in institutional care is often inhibited as a result of both physical and emotional neglect.
Refer to the list of suggested reading for further information on institutional care.
6. Separation and loss
Children who are separated from their primary care givers respond in different ways. Children who are attached to their carers and then abruptly separated may suffer severe depression, whereas children who have been emotionally neglected and have little connection with their carers may show no reaction when separated.
Research suggests that the two crucial factors that influence a child's reaction to loss are the strength of the relationship being broken and the abruptness of the separation. It is vital that adoptive parents understand the nature of their child's loss and grieving process, and provide support, patience and empathy to assist the child through this stage of development.
Refer to the list of suggested reading for further information on separation and loss.
7. Insecure attachment
A child will develop an insecure attachment to their care giver if their trust is broken, or if they suffer from abuse or neglect.
It is important that, if possible, prospective adoptive parents understand their child's relationship with their birth parents in order to cope with the uncertainty of developmental challenges they may experience.
Despite the challenges that adopted children may face as a result of insecure attachment, there is evidence to suggest that progress can be made with their development if their health and social environments improve.
Building a secure attachment with your adopted child can be developed through:
- attachment - gratifying the child's needs in a sensitive, appropriate and consistent manner to build security, safety and trust and reduce anxiety and discomfort
- positive interaction - creating an ongoing positive and reciprocal relationship in which the child learns to respond positively to feelings, messages, limits and behaviours.
- claiming - helping the child to feel a part of the family and provide a sense of belonging.
Refer to the list of suggested reading for further information on insecure attachment.
Activity 3 - Kelly's story
Kelly was a beautiful, energetic three-year-old when she entered her adoptive parents' care. The agency that arranged the adoption had given Kelly's adoptive parents, Sharon and Greg, some information about her past - Kelly was a victim of extreme neglect, a typical 'failure to thrive' infant. She had been placed in foster care on two different occasions but both times returned to her birth parents.
Finally, at age three, Kelly was removed permanently then placed into Sharon and Greg's family. This bright youngster brought with her unreported behavioural problems - aggression and self-abusive conduct. She would not allow Sharon to hug her or even hold her hand. Sharon knew that children even as young as Kelly could have problems, but she didn't know what it was like to live with them day after day.
In your learning journal, comment on the following questions:
- As prospective adoptive parents, what do you think will be the difficulties in parenting a child where there is little information about their family background?
- How important is genetics in the development of a child's personality and social characteristics?
The impact of attachment on a child's development
Research suggests that children who experience attachment problems may demonstrate the following characteristics:
- difficulty with auditory processing.
- difficulty with verbal expression.
- gross motor problems.
- delays in fine-motor adaptive skills.
- delays in personal and social development.
- Last updated
- 19 October 2007