[angelkisses0102]

Originally Posted by mommyto4

That is a valid concern to have as you should assume many of these children have been exposed to alcohol most all are at risk, but not all will have FAS. Some of the behavioral signs may not show up until school age. Some are mild FAS and may present as ADHD. This is a risk that you take with International Adoption and a leap of faith, many have adopted children that are now home with no signs of FAS. Severe FAS can often can be seen early on, but mild-moderate FAS sometimes can't. Best wishes on your adoption journey it is not for the faint of heart and like you are doing , it is best to gather all the info you can on the risks and also transition/adjustment issues now so you will be better prepared when your child/children come home.

I totally agree with the above poster. Neither of my children, adopted as infants, had any signs of or risk factors of FAS/FAE other than the fact that they we born in Russia and relinquished...which is a fairly large risk factor.

My DD shows no signs of FAS/FAE at this time other than potentially being ADHD...we will never know if alcohol played a role in it if she does end up having it. Her first mom was a low risk...very young, DD was her first pregnancy and birth, and she came from a stable social background.

My DS...we will never know...but my gut says he very well may have been exposed to alcohol in utero. Many of his issues and struggles are common in children who were exposed.

That being said...I wouldn't trade my children for anything in the world...alcohol impacted or not. IA isn't for everyone and adopting from Russia is certainly not for everyone.

All the best!