[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by renda460

My husband and I have 3 biological children and want to add a 4th. We have been talking about adoption this time, but we are having trouble making the decision to do this. I keep seeing shows or hearing stories about kids that have medical issues that were unknown at adoption, or kids that have caused major disruptions in their new family. Are things like this common? We would want to adopt a healthy infant from Bulgaria. Is it likely that we would run into medical or emotional issues? If we adopted the child at around 18 mos old, would that eliminate the possibility of RAD?

Please share your thoughts with us. Any input, good or bad would be great.

Deciding to adopt was fairly easy for us. Once we decided, we never looked back. If you're having trouble deciding, take time and just keep researching. Don't jump in if you're not ready.

My son had a very, very serious heart condition that presented itself shortly after birth. For us, we realized that sick children need parents too, and we've never been happier.

You really never know what issues you'll run into be it emotional and or medical. From my understanding of RAD, adopting an 18-month-old would definitely not elminate possiblity of RAD. Again, from my limited understanding, RAD develops usually when a child is unable to bond before 2 years old, due to muliple caregivers, in utero trauma, etc. Children 18-months old certainly could have RAD, or they could be well bonded and not have that disorder.

Just keep researching and good luck with your decision.