Date Approved

7-10-2001

Embargo Period

6-1-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in School Psychology

Department

Educational Services and Leadership

College

College of Education

Advisor

Klanderman, John

Committee Member 1

Dihoff, Roberta

Subject(s)

Adopted children--Romania; Institutional care

Disciplines

Educational Psychology

Abstract

The overall health and well-being of Romanian adoptees has deteriorated significantly as a result of the deficient living conditions of Romanian orphanages. Several of the effects of institutionalized children include; developmental delays in speech, gross and fine motor areas, and emotional and behavioral impediments. Moreover, these children may develop mental and/or physical disabilities and an overabundance of health problems. This study reports findings from a survey completed by 38 American families with adopted children from Romania. The results of this study reflect; parents perceptions of their child's health at the time of adoption and current health status, the child's behavioral and social roles in and out of the home, and the types of health problems and disabilities in which the subjects have been diagnosed. Eighty-nine percent of subjects have been professionally diagnosed with a disability. Sixty percent of parents stated that they were not comfortable with their child's developmental progress as compared to typical siblings or peers. In addition, 76% of the subjects had participated in an early intervention program. These subjects have been negatively affected developmentally because of the importance of physical and social motivation and nutrition on development.

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