Study of the impact the large influx of adopted children from Eastern European nations has had on special education programs in America.
This research paper addresses the historical and social situation in Eastern Europe that resulted in an increase in the number of children from this region that were adopted by American families. More importantly, this paper looks at the early research on the implications this influx had upon education and, in particular, special education.
“Due to the young age upon adoption and the lack of comprehensive medical records for these children many adoptive families are under the impression that the children they welcome into their homes will certainly have a period of adjustment, but for the most part will develop normally, educationally and socially. (Hollingsworth, 2003, pg. 209) Yet, findings have not always indicated this to be the case and many experts and families are demanding greater attention be paid to the early lives of these children and the implications of their impoverished backgrounds upon future growth. Though language acquisition is usually the most profound issue when dealing with international adoption the situations within many orphanages including but not limited to overcrowding, abhorrent resources and a simple lack of appropriate staff and care providers to nurture and stimulate these children at these crucial early developmental stages.”