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We adopted 2 children at that very age....Our DS is now almost 14 and our DD is now 6. She was able to speak basic English at around 6 months, but understood a lot of spoken English at 3 months. My DS spoke a little sooner (probably at 4 months) because he was COMPLETELY immersed in English.
I've found that transition depends a lot on the child's history and their experiences. Our DS only lived at his Hogar for 2 years. He remembers living on the streets prior to that.....He had a very difficult time adjusting even with 2 years of healing at a Hogar. Our DD lived at the Hogar her whole life. She has her own issues, but they are similar to our DS's in some ways.
Basically the main issues for transition for this age are these: making up for a lack of solid educational opportunities, behavior problems, understanding what a family is and how they are part of it, healing from abuse (many at this age have been abused), and attachment.
I must say that I totally love my kids and wouldn't trade them for the world, but there are some HARD, HARD days. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!!!
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