[SB8]

Debra99,

Unfortunately, the problems become more and more obvious as the children get older. However, the root cause of the problems begin much earlier.

As is the case with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the cause is while the fetus is still developing. Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed by the mother, the impact to the child may be obvious, or may only show up when they enter school age.

The affects of malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies become worse over time. A pediatrician here in the States may not recognize a vitamin A or D deficiency right away because these may be rarer here. Yet this is a problem from the moment the child is born. Nutrition is an obvious problem in most international countries.

Attachment issues can develop as young as 3 - 6 months for some children as well as sensory integration issues. The longer the child is institutionalized, the more symptoms may emerge.

I don't think age is the factor. My experience would advise you to adopt a child with the least amount of time spend institutionalized. It just makes sense the less time spent in the orphanage, the less risk of issues for the child. See what you can find out about the orphanage. Some are better than others and take much better care of the children. I have had experience with both types.

The wonderful thing about all of this is that all of the above can be dealt with by vitamins, diet, therapy, etc. Be well informed about what you might expect. I would also have a doctor on hand who is very familiar with adopted children from the country that you choose. They will recognize right away some of the issues.

I thought I was so prepared for anything when we brought our children home. I had the pediatrician check them all over and he said no problems. Of course, he had no experience with this and missed alot. My regret is that had we had the right diagnosis right at the beginning, we could have been helping the children. But, we did not get an accurate diagnosis for 4 years.

Be assured that when all is said and done, it is well worth it!


My 9yr old son and I were talking about his being adopted just last night. I told him that when he was born, we were just filling out the paperwork to come and get him. I told him that God picked him out for us and watched out for him and kept him safe until we could come and get him to bring him home.

Good luck to you in your search. God is watching over your little one now and keeping him safe until you can come and get him and bring him home!


Sue