[TNfostermom]

We have had baby girl S for about six months. She is 14 months old now. We have found out that she has maternal PKU fetal effects. Her mom has PKU (she can't process any protein, so she is not suppose to have any protein foods as a child or when pregnant). Mom didn't stay on diet as a child and is mentally retarded because of that. She also didn't stay on diet while pregnant. That caused her baby to be mentally retarded, with an IQ in the low 50's, have possible heart problems, ADD, behavior problems, lazy eye and the facial characterics of the syndrome.

I am having a hard time with her some of the time. I think it is bacause of her mental retardation. I had worked with special needs children in the past but never lived with one. I was wondering if anyone had any advise on how to deal with her issues.

The problems I am having are: she puts food in her mouth and won't swallow it, she will not use a sippy cup, she does not listen to directions at all, she will not try to walk, she is very jealous of our other foster baby, she does not like to be held.

They are going to start unsupervised visits with her parents soon, then go on to overnights, so she should be going home in the next few months.