[SB8]

I was wondering where to look for post-international adoption issues. It seems they are scattered in some of the other categories such as special needs. It is difficult to seperate the domestic and foster care issues from international adoption issues. The issues are very unique.

[lucyjoy]

What are the main differences you've noticed? I have two boys from Romania and five special needs foster care adoptions.
My boys from Romania rock and use self calming techniques, but Ihaven't noticed much difference with their attachment issues and my foster kids attachment.

[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

[lucyjoy]

"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"

Actually, this is how I ended up with my children from Romania. I also see the money side of the treetment issue as I've had to find funding for that and one ofthe boys has HEP B.

The multiple disorders you listed are also common in foster children. I was fortunate to find therapist who did understand post institutionalized children.

I do think international agencies need to take much more responsiblilty for training parents and helping them find post adoption services.

Thanks for answering my question.

[Debra99]

SB8,
Excellent post. My husband and I are just getting started at the adoption process and are looking seriously into an international adoption. You bring up some important issues, but I'm wondering if many of the problems you mention can be attributed mostly to older children. What are your thoughts?

Deb

[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