[Natania's Mommy]

My hubby and I have been talking about the possibility of adopting an infant once the waiting period between our adoptions is over. We just would really love to have a baby in the house again, we miss that stage.

We have 2 children, a 7 year old bio daughter and a 3 year old adopted son. Both are high functioning autistics.

Anyway, while we were talking we suddenly started to wonder, is a Birth Family going to see our children as a deterent when picking a family for their baby?

We had never really thought about this before, I mean to us they're just regular kids. They chase eachother around giggling and tickling eachother. They hug and give eachother kisses. Just regular kid stuff.

But now we wonder will the childrens Autism diagnosis be enough to quash our dreams of adopting an infant? Autism isn't a big deal to us, but I know some people would think that it was.

[StorkWatcher]

You know, some might find it to be a deterrent, but others will recognize what special parents you are to be able to identify and help your kids. They might think you will be more patient, and accepting of different kinds of people or situations.

This might really speak to an expectant mother who has experience in her life with different types of disabilities or challenges.

I have some friends and family who have kids with autistic or similar characteristics, and it would only be a positive thing for me.

[ourdreamcametru]

If I were a birthmother I think it would tell me you and your husband were special people and able to see children for children. Everybody is different but I don't think it would hinder your getting an infant at all.

[udn2k]

If it's a deterrent for some, it won't be for all, and yes, I think some will feel it makes you uniquely qualified. : )

You obviously care deeply for your children, and are very invested in their well-being. Trust that someone will see you for the loving parents you are, and the baby that is meant to join your family will some day.

I have an autistic son, and I'm amazed that you have a child by birth and adoption, both of whom are autistic. The statistical improbability boggles my mind!

If we ever decide how we want to next adopt, I definitely feel drawn to other autistic children. My son is such a miracle. The very qualities that make autism sometimes frustrating make it also endearing. He's a funny, loving, bright little boy. Beyond that, I'm not too worried about the rest!

Take care.

[Natania's Mommy]

Thank you for your posts everyone. We have a while to decide yet what we plan to do. Our sons adoption isn't to be finalized until the end of June and the law here says we have to have at least 18 months between placements. I just don't believe in wasting time doing nothing, I did that way to long ttc, before we decided to adopt.

"I have an autistic son, and I'm amazed that you have a child by birth and adoption, both of whom are autistic. The statistical improbability boggles my mind!"

Actually we knew he was autistic when we picked him We set out to adopt an autistic child, some people were impressed, most just thought we'd lost our marbles, but now that he's here they all know we were right

When he came home six months ago he was on pureed food, I had to give him the heimlich manuver because he would choke if there we lumps. Now he eats everything. He would climb down the steps in a backwards crawl, now he walks them alone.

He was standoffish with people and not interested in his environment, now he's curious about everything and he's everyones best friend.

He's even showing an intrest in potty training!

He's a great kid, he just needed half a chance to prove it. His worker is our biggest fan, she says the change in him is just incredible.

I don't think we did anything all that incredible, all we did was just fly by the seat of our pants like always. It's the kids that do the work we just try our best to encourage them.