TY - JOUR
T1 - Neurodevelopmental problems in adulthood following severe early deprivation: A qualitative analysis of clinical needs and service use experiences
AU - Edwards, Chris
AU - Kennedy, Mark
AU - Maughan, Barbara
AU - Sonuga-Barke, Edmund
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - 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 study (ERA), 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 ADHD) 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 front line 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.
AB - 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 study (ERA), 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 ADHD) 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 front line 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.
M3 - Article
SN - 0308-5759
JO - Adoption and Fostering
JF - Adoption and Fostering
ER -
