What was a notable issue for children in abandoned Romanian orphanages?

Children in abandoned Romanian orphanages experienced significant developmental delays primarily due to the chronic lack of cognitive stimulation, physical affection, and social interaction. Research has shown that these children often faced extreme neglect, which inhibited their emotional, social, and physical growth. The isolation and inadequate care contributed to deficits in language acquisition, problem-solving skills, and attachment behaviors, resulting in them lagging behind their peers in various developmental milestones. This context underscores the critical importance of nurturing environments and responsive caregiving in early childhood development, which were glaringly absent in these orphanages. The stark differences in the children's developmental trajectories highlight how essential these interactions are for healthy growth and learning during early life stages.