Speech-language, learning, and attention deficits for late-adopted, early adolescent children were higher than expected. These children from the former Soviet Union experienced substantial preadoption adversity associated with lengthy orphanage stays and poor care. Gender and low birth weight were also factors.

No abstract

As the majority of adjudicated adolescents had not been previously identified as having difficulties with language abilities, this population could benefit from early assessment. Also, children who are at risk for incarceration should be screened for possible language deficits that could contribute to the many difficulties experienced by adolescents.