All children will have issues. Children who have experienced some kind of trauma, neglect, or abuse will most likely have more serious issues. And remember, trauma can occur through a stressful pregnancy, a difficult delivery, or even from a life-saving stint in the NICU. There is an assumption in the US that children adopted at birth will have fewer trauma-related issues, but that is often untrue.
That being said, children who are adopted at an older age may have more complicated behaviors resulting from that trauma. (Believe it or not, adopting a child who is older than two is considered "older child adoption.") They are survivors, and the coping strategies they have developed to survive are not always ideal. It is up to adoptive parents to help them learn that they are safe and loved. With a lot of time and prayer, teaching "felt safety" will help the children release some of these survival-based coping strategies.
For in-depth instruction on why and how to do this, read The Connected Child.
For a great quick overview of common "older child adoption" behaviors, what causes them, and ways to handle them, read this article from Adoptive Families. It's excellent, and brief enough that you can email the link to friends and family members without pressuring them to read a whole book.
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