Romanian Orphans

Romanian orphans refer to children who were raised in impoverished and neglectful conditions in Romanian orphanages, especially during the 1980s under Nicolae Ceaușescu’s regime. Often subject to severe deprivation, lack of normal social interaction, and inconsistent caregiving, many of these children experienced significant developmental delays and emotional difficulties. Studies of their recovery, particularly after being adopted into nurturing families in other countries, have provided valuable insights into the importance of early childhood attachment, care quality, and the brain's capacity to recover from adverse early experiences.