Searching For Available Services

Don´t let the stigma of mental health issues stop you from finding the best possible care for your child. You may have to become very persistent when trying to locate services. Call hospitals, psychiatrists, mental health associations, therapists, libraries and social workers until you find help for your child´s problem. Word of advice - BE PERSISTENT!

What Will Become Of Our Children?

Once a child is adopted, the future immediately becomes brighter for that child. Many special needs kids have had horrible starts and may have suffered trauma and abuse for years. With the help of therapy, a forever family and love, a child can flourish and thrive and go on to live a very happy life as a well adjusted adult.

Moving Forward

There are situations where special needs children need special services outside our home. We must be able to recognize our limitations and be able to do what is best for the entire family. We can remain in the child´s life, however, the child will not live with us. Most times residential treatment facilities or mental health facilities are needed for a period of time.

Possible Problems

Possible disabilities/disorders found in some special needs kids are as follows: Physical - cleft lip/palate, birth defects. Emotional - ADHD-Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, ODD - Oppositional Defiance Disorder, PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Disassociative Disorder, Mental - Autism, PDD - Pervasive Development Disorder, FAS - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Downs Syndrome.

Special Children

Adopting a special needs child is beneficial for both the parent and the adopted child. Both the parent and child have a need to be met.

Reliving The Past

Children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may have flashbacks to traumatic episodes suffered in their past. Healing and coping with these episodes begins in therapy and may take years to control. Medication may help the healing process.

Trauma Effect

When a child experiences abuse and trauma for a length of time, it sometimes becomes too much for them to handle mentally. They may start to remove themselves psychologically from the situation and place themselves in a happy, safe place. It becomes difficult as they age for them to control the disassociative behavior and it may become dangerous if left untreated.

Eligibility

Adoption is open to a wide population. There are some age guidelines for international adoptions, but special needs adoptions are open to almost anyone over age 21, single, married, gay or lesbian, and any nationality with the exception of Native Americans where one parent must be of Native American heritage.

I´ll Love You Forever!

We all like to hear these words, but a special needs child may not understand them! They may never have experienced love. It will take a great deal of time for them to trust, believe in you and understand the true meaning of unconditional love. They will learn the true meaning by our being there forever.

Dealing With Trauma Issues

Some special needs children who have experienced prolonged trauma don´t develop as quickly as other children. In fact, some actually get stuck at one or more ages. The end result is a child at a chronological age, but acting much younger.

Identifying Special Needs

"Special Needs" can mean a child over age nine, having a medical, emotional or physical disability, or a child with a sibling group that must be kept together.

About Special Children

A special needs adoption will change your life forever. You must be dedicated and patient. There are many people capable of the endeavor, but the decision must be a very thoughtful process.

Making An Educated Decision

Special needs adoption is not for everyone. It is important that we understand our strengths and needs. Anyone considering adoption should look into the possibility of becoming a special needs parent.