[SB8]

The differences that I see are not only in the issues but also in the solutions. There is so much of a difference that Dr. Ronald S. Federici devotes a chapter to institutional issues in his book "Help for the Hopeless Child".

International adoptions pose not only attachment issues but may also be combined with the issue of institutional autism and FAS/FASD and all of the spectrum of issues that go with these diagnosis(bipolar, CAPD, SI, ADHD, PTSD, mood disorders, etc.). They are much more complex and usually more severe because of the institutionalization, cultural differences and the presentation of multiple issues. They could involve severe malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies that our normal pediatricians in the states have not seen. They may also be combined with food sensitivities and immunology because the children are not from this region. Many of our children from international adoptions exhibit similar symptoms and the causes are similar, the path of research for parents would be similar for international adoptions.

The solutions would not involve case workers or state subsidies. Alot of international adoptees of eastern europe have alchohol related disorders. However, the pediatricians in the US have little experience with these types of disorders especially when combined with institutionalization. The therapies are different, the suggested order to resolve multiple issues is different. The treatments could be different. Suggested therapies for institutionalized children often include a detoxification from the institution whereas a domestic adoption situation would not warrent this.

I also think the issues of the parents are slightly different. Research has shown the typical international adoption couple is over 40's, both working, considered affluent, mostly college educated, and not prepared by the agencies for special needs children. Most of the issues involve treatments that may or may not be covered by insurances. Most of these people do not qualify for financial help and yet will see their life savings deteriorate. There are alot of feelings of resentment, anger, hopelessness, frustration, and shattered expectations. Alot of these couples are grieving. There is also a high percentage of marital problems and divorces. Parental depression and anxiety and fatigue are real issues.

There just are alot of differences between an international adoption and domestic foster/adoptions. I do not feel that parents who have adopted internationally and whose children are starting to show symptoms of various disorders have a specific place in this forum to go to for their specific needs. I, for one, have been bouncing around between several threads to pull together the information that I need.

No offense meant to this forum of people, they have helped me fumble through a very difficult time and I am extremely grateful. I just thought it would be nice and easier if there was one thread where we could chat about these issues and feelings. I would like to make it easier for the next person who is trying to find the help that they need.

Sue