Impacts of a child NOT going through the "why phase?"

I live in the US and my son was adopted internationally at age 2 &1/2.  This was a crucial development time - - a time when toddlers typically go through the "why" phase, but since my son was unable to communicate at that time, he just skipped it altogether.  He is speaking english now, but it does not come easy for him.  It seems like skipping the why phase and his lingering language struggles are the cause of an overall inability to comprehend bigger concepts - - e.g. if I don't brush my teeth today, what is the impact of that?  If my coat is in the wash, what will I wear to school to keep warm?  Silly things like that... he is 7 now and does not comprehend how things connect.

What can I do to help him?  Are my fears about him not going through the why phase real?  Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

It does appear that his cognitive development is a bit delayed, but that is quite understandable in light of his history (including the aspect of language). Don't over-emphasize the particular phase of asking why. At home, tie cause and effect together as appropriate, and he will continue to grow cognitively through normal schooling. Most seven-year-olds are not famous for the sort of understanding you are mentioning, so to some extent I think your expecttaions may be a bit unrealistic.