Differential Plasticity in the Recovery of Adopted Children After Early Adversity

Abstract

Abstract Research on adoption is contributing to our understanding of developmental plasticity. As early adversity is usually involved in adoption, researchers can study both the negative consequences of such adversity and the catch-up processes that follow once children are integrated into a protective, loving, and stimulating family context. In this article, we analyze postadoption recovery in three developmental domains: growth, neuropsychological development, and attachment. Given the existence of differential plasticity within each of these domains, generalizations about physical, neuropsychological, and emotional recovery should be avoided.