  We derive the formalism for the leading order corrections to the adiabatic
approximation to the scattering of composite projectiles. Assuming a two-body
projectile of core plus loosely-bound valence particle and a model (the core
recoil model) in which the interaction of the valence particle and the target
can be neglected, we derive the non-adiabatic correction terms both exactly,
using a partial wave analysis, and using the eikonal approximation. Along with
the expected energy dependence of the corrections, there is also a strong
dependence on the valence-to-core mass ratio and on the strength of the
imaginary potential for the core-target interaction, which relates to
absorption of the core in its scattering by the target. The strength and
diffuseness of the core-target potential also determine the size of the
corrections. The first order non-adiabatic corrections were found to be smaller
than qualitative estimates would expect. The large absorption associated with
the core-target interaction in such halo nuclei as Be11 kills off most of the
non-adiabatic corrections. We give an improved estimate for the range of
validity of the adiabatic approximation when the valence-target interaction is
neglected, which includes the effect of core absorption. Some consideration was
given to the validity of the eikonal approximation in our calculations.
