Could growing up in an orphanage lead to an intellectual disability?

Growing up in an orphanage can potentially lead to an intellectual disability due to several factors associated with institutional care. Children raised in orphanages often experience a lack of individualized attention, emotional support, and stimulation crucial for cognitive development. This environment may deprive children of the nurturing and learning experiences that foster healthy brain development. Additionally, orphanages may not provide adequate educational resources and opportunities compared to a typical family setting, further impacting a child’s intellectual growth.

It's important to recognize that the circumstances in orphanages can vary significantly, and not all children raised in such environments will experience intellectual disabilities. Nonetheless, the collective insights into the developmental challenges faced by many children in orphanages support the assertion that institutional upbringing can negatively influence cognitive outcomes, especially in cases where the environment is particularly lacking in resources and emotional support.