Social communication difficulties and autism in previously institutionalized children
Open accessAbstract
Objective To determine the risk of difficulties with social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors as well as the rate of autism in children institutionalized in early infancy and to assess the impact of a foster care intervention on ameliorating this risk.Method Children abandoned at birth and raised in institutions in Bucharest, Romania were randomly assigned to a care-as-usual group (institutional care, CAUG), or placed in family-centered foster care (FCG) as part of the Bucharest Early Intervention Project (BEIP). At approximately 10 years of age, the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) was administered to caregivers of children in both groups as well as to parents of a typically developing community sample (Never-Institutionalized group [NIG]) residing in Bucharest, Romania. Children scoring ≥12 on the SCQ underwent clinical evaluation for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Results Caregivers of children with a history of institutionalization reported that these children had significantly more deviant behavior than never-institutionalized children on all subdomains of the SCQ (all p < 0.001). Children in the FCG had significantly lower scores on the SCQ than children in the CAUG (p < .001), particularly in the reciprocal social interaction domain, indicating that the intervention reduced problems in social communication. Three of 60 CAUG children, 2 of 57 FCG children, and none of the NIG children received a formal ASD diagnosis.Conclusion Early institutional rearing was associated with an increased risk of social communication difficulties and ASD. A family-centered foster care intervention improved social communication skills.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
In the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, children with a history of institutional rearing had more social communication difficulties and restricted/repetitive behaviors than never-institutionalized children, and a foster care intervention improved social communication. Five of 117 ever-institutionalized children met DSM criteria for ASD, whereas none of the never-institutionalized comparison children did.
Key findings
- Caregivers of ever-institutionalized children reported significantly more deviant SCQ behavior than never-institutionalized children on all SCQ subdomains (all p<0.001).
- Children in the foster care group had significantly lower SCQ scores than children in the care-as-usual group (p<.001), particularly in the reciprocal social interaction domain; communication and restricted/repetitive behavior domains did not differ significantly between CAUG and FCG.
- The Results section reports ASD diagnoses in 3 of 57 CAUG children, 2 of 60 FCG children, and 0 of 100 NIG children; the Discussion states 5 of 117 ever-institutionalized children met DSM criteria, approximately a 3-fold increase over what would be expected in a typical community sample.
- SCQ scores correlated with total percentage of life spent in an institution even after controlling for demographics and birth history (R² = .141, B = .110, SE = .029, β = .381), but did not significantly correlate with number of placement transitions.
Methods
- The study used the Bucharest Early Intervention Project, a randomized controlled trial: 136 ever-institutionalized Romanian children were randomly assigned to continued institutional care-as-usual (CAUG) or family-centered foster care (FCG), with a never-institutionalized community comparison group (NIG) matched by age and gender.
- At approximately 10 years of age (mean 10, range 8–11), caregivers completed the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ); children scoring ≥12 underwent clinical evaluation for ASD, and two additional children were referred by BEIP psychologists for clinical concern.
- Analyses included two-tailed t-tests, linear regression, ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni correction, and Pearson correlations; ASD diagnoses used DSM-IV criteria, with re-analysis using DSM-5 criteria showing no change in the number diagnosed.
Limitations
- The paper states that abandonment itself was not random, so the study cannot separate effects of institutionalization from genetic and prenatal factors that increase both abandonment risk and ASD risk.
- The paper states that the non-interference policy led many CAUG children to later move to government foster care or biological families, likely underestimating the impact of foster care placement on SCQ scores; parent-report SCQ also allows observer bias, and the small ASD numbers cannot determine whether CAUG versus FCG significantly affects ASD rates.
- The text makes evident that SCQ data were collected at a single time point, so the study cannot evaluate change over time, and the small ASD sample limits definitive statements about quasi-autism; none of the children who received an ASD diagnosis had WISC scores available.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
0 of 39 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingown data
History of institutionalization was associated with higher SCQ scores across all domains.
“History of institutionalization was associated with higher SCQ scores across all domains.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
After controlling for demographics and birth history by regression, group status (CAUG, FCG, or NIG) was still a significant predictor of SCQ score.
“After controlling for demographics and birth history by regression, group status (CAUG, FCG, or NIG) was still a significant predictor of SCQ score (see Table S1, available online).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
SCQ score was significantly associated with full scale IQ score, and each IQ subtest, in the FCG group.
“Pearson correlations revealed that SCQ score was significantly associated with full scale IQ score, and each IQ subtest, in the FCG group.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
ANOVA revealed a significant between-group difference in SCQ score (F(3,91) = 4.96, p = .003).
“ANOVA revealed a significant between-group difference in SCQ score (F(3,91) = 4.96, p = .003).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
SCQ scores were not significantly correlated with SSRS scores for academic competence.
“SCQ scores were not significantly correlated with SSRS scores for academic competence (see Table S2, available online).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
Scores in the reciprocal social interaction domain were worse in the CAUG than in the FCG.
“In particular, scores in the reciprocal social interaction domain were worse in the CAUG than in the FCG.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
Within the EIG, SCQ scores did not significantly correlate with the total number of placement transitions.
“Within the EIG, simple linear regression demonstrated that SCQ scores did not significantly correlate with the total number of placement transitions (R2= .000, B = -.054, Standard Error = .371, β = -.014).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Foster care placement was associated with improved SCQ scores, particularly in the reciprocal social interaction domain.
“Foster care placement was associated with improved SCQ scores, particularly in the reciprocal social interaction domain.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
CAUG children's performance on the SCQ was worse than performance of children in the FCG.
“Independent sample t-tests revealed CAUG children’s performance on the SCQ was worse than performance of children in the FCG.”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Children in the FCG had significantly lower scores on the SCQ than children in the CAUG (p<.001)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
- Findingown data
Group means for percent of lifetime spent in the institution were CAUG 53.8% (SD 26.8%) and FCG 19.8% (SD 7.8%).
“Group means for percent of lifetime spent in the institution were as follows: CAUG 53.8% (SD 26.8%); FCG 19.8% (SD 7.8%).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
Within the FCG, SCQ scores did not significantly correlate with age at placement.
“Within the FCG, SCQ scores did not significantly correlate with age at placement (R2 = .001, B = .016, Standard Error = .091, β = .024).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
SCQ scores significantly correlated with SSRS scores for social skills and problem behaviors, as assessed by parents and teachers.
“SCQ scores significantly correlated with SSRS scores for social skills and problem behaviors, as assessed by parents and teachers.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Findingown data
0/5 children who met criteria for ASD had macrocephaly.
“0/5 children who met criteria for ASD had macrocephaly”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Among children randomized to foster care, SCQ score correlated with IQ score.
“Among children randomized to foster care, SCQ score correlated with IQ score”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In this study, foster care did not reduce the broader range of restricted/repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.
“in this study foster care did not reduce the broader range of restricted/repetitive behaviors associated with ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The rate of ASD in ever-institutionalized children is approximately a 3-fold increase from what would be expected in a typical community sample.
“that is approximately a 3-fold increase from what would be expected in a typical community sample;36”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [36] 2014
Not checked in the free run.
- Findingown data
SCQ scores increased as total percentage of a child's life spent in an institution increased.
“SCQ scores increased as total percentage of a child’s life spent in an institution increased”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Five children met DSM criteria for ASD from amongst the 117 ever-institutionalized children examined in the study.
“We identified five children who met DSM criteria for ASD from amongst the 117 ever-institutionalized children examined in our study.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The correlation between SCQ score and IQ score was not present in the CAUG or NIG.
“this correlation was not present in the CAUG or NIG.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
SCQ scores were elevated in children who were living in institutions at age 8.
“were also elevated in children who were living in institutions at age 8.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
None of the children from the never-institutionalized population in this study received an ASD diagnosis.
“in fact, none of the children from the never-institutionalized population in this study received an ASD diagnosis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Quasi-autism and PIAS have features overlapping with ASD including social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors.
“While children with these disorders have features overlapping with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) including social communication difficulties and repetitive behaviors,6, 7”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [6] 2000
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [7] 2013
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
A similar disorder described as post-institutional autistic syndrome (PIAS) was found in 16% of previously institutionalized children adopted from Romania to the Netherlands at an average of 8 years of age.
“A similar disorder described as post-institutional autistic syndrome (PIAS) was found in 16% of previously institutionalized children adopted from Romania to the Netherlands at an average of 8 years of age.5”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [5] Hoksbergen, 2005, Post-institutional autistic syndrome in Romanian adoptees, J Autism Dev Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
In the English and Romanian Adoptees Study, quasi-autism was found in 11.1% of previously institutionalized children at 11-12 years of age.
“In the English and Romanian Adoptees Study, quasi-autism was found in 11.1% of previously institutionalized children at 11–12 years of age.4”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [4] Rutter, 2007, Early adolescent outcomes for institutionally-deprived and non-deprived adoptees. I: disinhibited attachment, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
ASD cannot be reliably diagnosed in the newborn period or even in the first year of life even in countries where there is considerable awareness of the disorder.
“Because ASD cannot be reliably diagnosed in the newborn period or even in the first year of life even in countries where there is considerable awareness of the disorder,18, 19”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [18] Shattuck, 2009, Timing of identification among children with an autism spectrum disorder: findings from a population-based surveillance study, J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [19] Zwaigenbaum, 2010, Advances in the early detection of autism, Curr Opin Neurol source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
A family-centered foster care intervention improved social communication skills.
“A family-centered foster care intervention improved social communication skills.”
- Also stated in: § Results · hedged
“indicating that the intervention reduced problems in social communication.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Also stated in: § Results · hedged
- Study design and conductown data
Re-analysis of our data using DSM-5 criteria after their publication revealed no change in the number of research participants diagnosed with ASD.
“re-analysis of our data using DSM-5 criteria after their publication revealed no change in the number of research participants diagnosed with ASD.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductown data
SCQ scores were validated in our sample by assessing their correlation with scores on the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS).
“SCQ scores were also validated in our sample by assessing their correlation with scores on the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS),30”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [30] Levin, 2014, Motor outcomes in children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation, J Pediatr source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
The findings may be considered a conservative estimate of the effects of the intervention on SCQ scores.
“The initial results described below follow an intent-to-treat model, with all children included in their originally assigned group; hence, the findings may be considered a conservative estimate of the effects of the intervention on SCQ scores.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The rates of ASD in the ever-institutionalized group are not large enough to allow determination of whether placement after initial institutionalization (CAUG versus FCG) significantly affects ASD rates.
“are not large enough to allow determination of whether placement after initial institutionalization (CAUG versus FCG) significantly affects ASD rates.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
High-quality foster care alone does not sufficiently eliminate the risk of quasi-autism in this population.
“However, high-quality foster care alone does not sufficiently eliminate the risk of quasi-autism in this population”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The rates of ASD in the ever-institutionalized group are large enough to suggest that institutionalization history is associated with increased ASD risk.
“the rates of ASD in the ever-institutionalized group, while large enough to suggest that institutionalization history is associated with increased ASD risk”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
This study cannot address the degree to which differences between ASD rates (and SCQ scores) between ever-institutionalized and never-institutionalized children are from institutionalization itself versus genetic and prenatal factors that increase both the risk of abandonment and the risk of ASD.
“Therefore, this study cannot address the degree to which differences between ASD rates (and SCQ scores) between ever-institutionalized and never-institutionalized children are from institutionalization itself versus genetic and prenatal factors that increase both the risk of abandonment and the risk of ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
Randomization of children to the CAUG or FCG allowed the study to show specifically that the caregiving environment after initial institutionalization impacts SCQ scores.
“While randomization of children to the CAUG or FCG allowed us to show specifically that the caregiving environment after initial institutionalization impacts SCQ scores”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductreasoning
This crossover would most likely underestimate the impact of foster care placement on SCQ score because the living situation for children in the CAUG became more similar to that of children in the FCG over time.
“this would most likely underestimate the impact of foster care placement of SCQ score because the living situation for children in the CAUG became more similar to that of children in the FCG over time.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The study's sample of children diagnosed with ASD is too small to make definitive statements about quasi-autism in this group.
“Our sample of children diagnosed with ASD is too small to make definitive statements about quasi-autism in this group”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
High-quality foster care improves social communication in this population.
“High-quality foster care improves social communication in this population”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
In quasi-autism, severe environmental deprivation seems contributory to the phenotype.
“In “quasi-autism,” severe environmental deprivation seems contributory to the phenotype”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: In the vast majority of ASD cases, children are raised in caring families, and psychosocial deprivation does not play a significant role.
- Interpretationown data
Placement in families leads to improved social communication skills amongst children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation.
“These results indicate that placement in families leads to improved social communication skills amongst children exposed to early psychosocial deprivation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The study is not able to evaluate change over time because SCQ data were collected at a single point in time.
“because SCQ data were collected at a single point in time, our study is not able to evaluate change over time.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
A history of institutionalization appears to be related to an increased incidence of ASD.
“Thus, a history of institutionalization appears to be related to an increased incidence of ASD, as seen in previous studies.2, 3, 5”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [2] Rutter, 1999, Quasi-autistic patterns following severe early global privation, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [3] Rutter, 2007, Early adolescent outcomes of institutionally deprived and non-deprived adoptees. III. Quasi-autism, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [5] Hoksbergen, 2005, Post-institutional autistic syndrome in Romanian adoptees, J Autism Dev Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
- May combine two claims. 20
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 11
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThree of 60 CAUG children, 2 of 57 FCG children, and none of the NIG children received a formal ASD diagnosis.
“Three of 60 CAUG children, 2 of 57 FCG children, and none of the NIG children received a formal ASD diagnosis.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ASD diagnostic evaluation was not biased by knowledge of the child's group assignment.
May combine two claims.
Findingown data3 of 57 CAUG children, 2 of 60 FCG children, and 0 of 100 NIG children met DSM-IV (and DSM-5) criteria for ASD.
“3 of 57 CAUG children, 2 of 60 FCG children, and 0 of 100 NIG children met DSM-IV (and DSM-5) criteria for ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The ASD diagnostic evaluation was not biased by knowledge of the child's group assignment.
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataCaregivers of children in the EIG reported higher scores (more problems) on the SCQ overall, and on each subdomain of the SCQ, than caregivers of children in the NIG.
“Caregivers of children in the EIG reported higher scores (more problems) on the SCQ overall, and on each subdomain of the SCQ, than caregivers of children in the NIG (Table 1).”
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
“Caregivers of children with a history of institutionalization reported that these children had significantly more deviant behavior than never institutionalized children on all subdomains of the SCQ (all p<0.001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Also stated in: § Results · plain
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataPost hoc Bonferroni analysis yielded significant differences (p < .05) in SCQ score between children living in institutions at the time of the study and those living in family-based care, but no significant differences in SCQ score between children in the various types of family-based care (biological family, government foster care, or BEIP foster care).
“Post hoc Bonferroni analysis yielded significant differences (p < .05) in SCQ score between children living in institutions at the time of the study and those living in family-based care, but no significant differences in SCQ score between children in the various types of family-based care (biological family, government foster care, or BEIP foster care; Table 2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataScores in the communication domain, and the restricted/repetitive behaviors domain, were not significantly different between CAUG and FCG.
“Scores in the communication domain, and the restricted/repetitive behaviors domain, were not significantly different between CAUG and FCG (Table 1).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataSCQ score was not significantly associated with full scale IQ score, or any IQ subtest, in the CAUG or NIG groups.
“SCQ score was not significantly associated with full scale IQ score, or any IQ subtest, in the CAUG or NIG groups (see Table S3, available online).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataWithin the EIG, SCQ scores correlated with the total percentage of a child's life spent in an institution, even when controlling for demographics and birth history; children who had spent a longer period of their lives in an institution at age 8 had higher SCQ scores.
“However, scores did correlate with the total percentage of a child’s life spent in an institution, even when controlling for demographics and birth history (R2 = .141, B = .110, Standard Error = .029, β = .381).”
- Also stated in: § SCQ Scores · plain
“Children who had spent a longer period of their lives in an institution at age 8 had higher SCQ scores.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Also stated in: § SCQ Scores · plain
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Findingown data2/5 children with ASD in the sample are female.
“2/5 children with ASD in our sample are female”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationIt is unlikely that ASD was a reason for abandonment of children in this study; instead, political pronatalist policies in the context of frequently insufficient financial and social support for child rearing led many children to be abandoned for social reasons.
“it is unlikely that ASD was a reason for abandonment; instead, political pronatalist policies in the context of frequently insufficient financial and social support for child rearing led many children to be abandoned for social reasons.20, 21”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites [20] Kligman, 1992, The politics of reproduction in Ceausescu’s Romania: a case study in political culture, East Eur Polit Soc source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [21] Greenwell, 2006, The impact of child welfare reform on child abandoment and deinstitutionalization, Romania 1990-2000, Ann Demogr Hist (Paris)
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationChildren with a history of institutionalization have an increased likelihood of demonstrating repetitive movements such as stereotypies.
“Children with a history of institutionalization also have an increased likelihood of demonstrating repetitive movements such as stereotypies.17”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [17] Bos, 2010, Stereotypies in children with a history of early institutional care, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPrior studies in the BEIP have specifically examined attachment, teacher-rated social skills, and stereotypies, but these findings are not always specific to ASD.
“While prior studies in the BEIP have specifically examined attachment,15, 23, 24 teacher-rated social skills,16 and stereotypies,17 these findings are not always specific to ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [15] Smyke, 2012, A randomized controlled trial comparing foster care and institutional care for children with signs of reactive attachment disorder, Am J Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [23] Smyke, 2010, Placement in foster care enhances quality of attachment among young institutionalized children, Child Dev source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [24] Zeanah, 2005, Attachment in institutionalized and community children in Romania, Child Dev source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationWithin institutions, medical determination of whether a child was "typically developing" or "handicapped" generally did not occur until the age of 3 years.
“Within institutions, medical determination of whether a child was “typically developing” or “handicapped” generally did not occur until the age of 3 years.22”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22] Johnson, 2014, The health of children adopted from Romania, J Am Med Assoc source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationQuasi-autism and PIAS differ from ordinary ASD in having a general trend for decreasing severity of ASD features over time and an equal male:female ratio, compared to the 4:1 male:female ratio seen on average in other studies of ASD.
“These features include a general trend for decreasing severity of ASD features over time and an equal male:female ratio (compared to the 4:1 male:female ratio seen on average in other studies of ASD).8”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [8] Fombonne, 2003, Epidemiological surveys of autism and other pervasive developmental disorders: an update, J Autism Dev Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationPost-institutionalized children demonstrate behaviors often seen in ASD, including abnormalities in social approach, difficulties adjusting behavior to suit social context, and difficulties with peer relationships.
“Other studies, while not looking specifically at ASD, suggest that post-institutionalized children demonstrate behaviors often seen in ASD, including abnormalities in social approach, difficulties adjusting behavior to suit social context, and difficulties with peer relationships.4, 9–16”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 9 sources checked- cites [4] Rutter, 2007, Early adolescent outcomes for institutionally-deprived and non-deprived adoptees. I: disinhibited attachment, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [9] Hodges, 1989, Social and family relationships of ex-institutional adolescents, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [10] Chisholm, 1998, A three year follow-up of attachment and indiscriminate friendliness in children adopted from Romanian orphanages, Child Dev source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [11] MacLean, 2003, The impact of institutionalization on child development, Dev Psychopathol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [12] Roy, 2004, Institutional care: associations between overactivity and lack of selectivity in social relationships, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [13] Gunnar, 2007, Behavior problems in postinstitutionalized internationally adopted children, Dev Psychopathol source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [14] Erol, 2010, Mental health of adolescents reared in institutional care in Turkey: challenges and hope in the twenty-first century, Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [15] Smyke, 2012, A randomized controlled trial comparing foster care and institutional care for children with signs of reactive attachment disorder, Am J Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [16] Almas, 2012, Effects of early intervention and the moderating effects of brain activity on institutionalized children’s social skills at age 8, Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationChildren raised in institutions are at increased risk for a variety of adverse outcomes, including quasi-autistic patterns of behavior.
“Children raised in institutions are at increased risk for a variety of adverse outcomes,1 including risk for “quasi-autistic” patterns of behavior.2, 3”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [1] Nelson, 2014
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [2] Rutter, 1999, Quasi-autistic patterns following severe early global privation, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [3] Rutter, 2007, Early adolescent outcomes of institutionally deprived and non-deprived adoptees. III. Quasi-autism, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisereasoningNo study has previously addressed the broad range of difficulties with social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors specifically seen in ASD, nor the specific diagnosis of ASD, in a randomized sample.
“No study has previously addressed the broad range of difficulties with social communication and restricted/repetitive behaviors specifically seen in ASD, nor the specific diagnosis of ASD, in a randomized sample.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
Study design and conductnone givenAll initial analyses in the current paper follow an intent-to-treat model, with children considered within their original assigned group.
“All initial analyses in the current paper follow an intent-to-treat model, with children considered within their original assigned group.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
Study design and conductcitationThe Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) is a validated parent-report screening measure that assesses for symptomatology associated with ASD.
“The Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ; Western Psychological Services, 2003) is a validated parent-report screening measure that assesses for symptomatology associated with ASD.29”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [29] Rutter, 2003
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Study design and conductown dataThe SCQ was translated into Romanian and back-translated.
“the lifetime SCQ, which had been translated into Romanian and back-translated.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimClassified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationThe SCQ manual recommends using a slightly lower threshold in populations with other risk features.
“The manual also recommends using a slightly lower threshold in populations with other risk features.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataEarly institutional rearing was associated with an increased risk of social communication difficulties and ASD.
“Early institutional rearing was associated with an increased risk of social communication difficulties and ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
- Rests on an assumption: The ASD diagnostic evaluation was not biased by knowledge of the child's group assignment.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
Premisenone givenA cutoff score of ≥15 on the SCQ is generally recommended as an indication of possible ASD.
“a cutoff score of ≥15 is generally recommended as an indication of possible ASD.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataEarly psychosocial deprivation is associated with greater social communication difficulties and an increased incidence of meeting criteria for ASD.
“The results of this study suggest that early psychosocial deprivation is associated with greater social communication difficulties and an increased incidence of meeting criteria for ASD.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Study design and conductnone givenThe study's non-interference policy led many children who were initially randomized to the CAUG to later be placed in government-sponsored foster care that did not exist when the study began, or to be reunited with their biological families.
“the study’s non-interference policy led many children who were initially randomized to the CAUG to later be placed in government-sponsored foster care that did not exist when the study began, or to be reunited with their biological families”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
Study design and conductreasoningSCQ scores are based on parent report, so the possibility of observer bias exists.
“Because SCQ scores are based on parent report, the possibility of observer bias exists (a problem with all parent report measures).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataThese results confirm and expand upon previous findings of increased risk for social communication difficulties, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and ASD in children with a history of institutionalization.
“These results confirm and expand upon previous findings of increased risk for social communication difficulties, restricted/repetitive behaviors, and ASD in children with a history of institutionalization.2, 3, 5, 34, 35”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [2] Rutter, 1999, Quasi-autistic patterns following severe early global privation, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [3] Rutter, 2007, Early adolescent outcomes of institutionally deprived and non-deprived adoptees. III. Quasi-autism, J Child Psychol Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [5] Hoksbergen, 2005, Post-institutional autistic syndrome in Romanian adoptees, J Autism Dev Disord source
Not checked in the free run.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).
Study design and conductnone givenThe process of abandonment itself was not random.
“the process of abandonment itself was not random.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationThe true association between ASD and macrocephaly has been called into question recently.
“the true association between ASD and macrocephaly has been called into question recently).37”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [37] Barnard-Brak, 2011, Macrocephaly in children with autism spectrum disorders, Pediatr Neurol source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
Interpretationown dataHigh-quality foster care adds to the growing list of developmental domains that are altered in children with a history of institutionalization and can be improved by foster care.
“this adds to the growing list of developmental domains that are altered in children with a history of institutionalization and can be improved by foster care, including attachment,15, 23, 24 stereotypies,17 language,38–40 cognition,31, 41 depression, anxiety,42, 43 and growth.44”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked- cites [15] Smyke, 2012, A randomized controlled trial comparing foster care and institutional care for children with signs of reactive attachment disorder, Am J Psychiatry source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [17] Bos, 2010, Stereotypies in children with a history of early institutional care, Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med source
Not checked in the free run.
- cites [31] Gresham, 1990
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
SCQ scores are comparable across different types of caregivers (institutional caregivers, foster parents, biological parents).
“the caregiver who knew the child best (biological parent, foster parent, adoptive parent or institutional caregiver) filled out the lifetime SCQ”
The paper relies on this without support.
The ASD diagnostic evaluation was not biased by knowledge of the child's group assignment.
“The second level of evaluation involved an extensive history, physical examination, and structured observations of the child by a Romanian-speaking physician trained in the United States in ASD diagnosis.”
The paper relies on this without support.
In the vast majority of ASD cases, children are raised in caring families, and psychosocial deprivation does not play a significant role.
“whereas in the vast majority of ASD cases, children are raised in caring families, and psychosocial deprivation does not play a significant role.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Aberrant processing of social and threatening cues from amygdala dysfunction is a hallmark of psychiatric sequelae following early-life abuse/neglect.
“Aberrant processing of social and threatening cues stemming from amygdala dysfunction is a hallmark of psychiatric sequelae following early-life abuse and neglect (Levin et al., 2015, Teicher et al., 2003, Troller-Renfree et al., 2016, Zeanah and Gleason, 2015).”
From Early life adversity during the infant sensitive period for attachment: Programming of behavioral neurobiology of threat processing and social behavior (2017) · cites this paper as Levin et al., 2015
Statistics recomputed
Every reported test result, recomputed from its test statistic and degrees of freedom. A result shows as not adding up only once an independent check has confirmed it.
- ConsistentF(3, 91) = 4.96reported p = .003 · recomputed p = .003
“F(3,91) = 4.96, p = .003”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
ASD group denominators are reversed between the abstract and results
MajorThe abstract reports 60 CAUG children and 57 FCG children, while the Autism Diagnosis results report 57 CAUG children and 60 FCG children. This changes the group-specific ASD rates.
“Three of 60 CAUG children, 2 of 57 FCG children, and none of the NIG children received a formal ASD diagnosis.”
“3 of 57 CAUG children, 2 of 60 FCG children, and 0 of 100 NIG children met DSM-IV (and DSM-5) criteria for ASD.”
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- Authors
- Levin, A. R., Fox, N. A., Zeanah, C. H., & Nelson, C. A.
- Affiliations
- Boston Children's Hospital (US)
- University of Maryland, College Park (US)
- Tulane University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Levin, April R.
- Venue
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Published
- 2015-02
- Volume
- 54
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 108-115.e1
- ISSN
- 0890-8567 (ISSN-L)
- PMC
- PMC4404759
- OpenAlex
- W1985139407
- Semantic Scholar
- 32443a4fd409c23caa9015dd5abe2f10a305b3bc
- Cited by
- 68
- References
- 44
- Citations by year
- 2025: 4 · 2024: 7 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 5 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 4
- FWCI
- 14.90
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Locations
- Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
- Funders
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation
- American Brain Foundation
- Harvard University
- Tulane University
- Binder Family Foundation
- University of Oxford
- National Institute of Mental Health (R01MH091363, MH091363)
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (P30HD018655)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Safety Research › Child Welfare and Adoption
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Family and Disability Support Research
- Keywords
- institutional upbringing, social communication deficits, autism spectrum disorder, restricted and repetitive behaviors, foster care, family-centered intervention, Bucharest Early Intervention Project, Social Communication Questionnaire, reciprocal social interaction, early childhood
- MeSH terms
- Autism Spectrum Disorder, Child, Child Development, Child, Institutionalized, Child, Preschool, Communication, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Foster Home Care, Humans, Infant, Male, Romania, Linear Models, Caregivers, Early Intervention, Educational, Orphanages, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Social Skills
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