Neuropsychological Outcomes of Internationally-Adopted Children Who Are Perinatally-Infected With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Overview

Children who are perinatally-infected with HIV are extremely vulnerable to cognitive delays and psychiatric disease, and the risk for neuropsychiatric illness is compounded in children who are internationally-adopted and may have suffered trauma, abandonment, malnutrition and neglect. While cognitive and psychiatric issues have been described in HIV-infected children, and even more so in HIV-positive adults, there have been no reports on neuropsychiatric interventions that can improve cognitive and psychiatric states in this highly vulnerable population. Without these needed data, Pediatric HIV providers have not been able to advocate for optimal neuropsychiatric care in perinatally HIV-infected children, let alone those who has suffered the additional risk of being internationally adopted. In the proposed study, the investigators will report on the neuropsychological profiles and outcomes in a cohort of internationally-adopted, perinatally HIV-infected children between ages 6 to 16 years who have not previously undergone neuropsychological testing or treatment. Data obtained from this study will provide important contributions to the literature by building understanding of the complex needs of this population as well as guiding future intervention efforts. The investigators predict that intervention efforts aimed at helping educators understand the learning and cognitive challenges for many of our patients will guide targeted academic supports in the school setting and lead to gains in academic skills. The detailed information obtained during the comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and follow-up care will be shared with the child's key educators at school so that individualized educational strategies can be developed, while maintaining confidentiality regarding the child's HIV status.