[Christians-Mommy]

Hi everyone,

My husband and I have submitted our homestudy and are waiting to find out if we are matched with a little girl. She was born at 23 weeks and had a brain hemmorage afterwards. She is most likely was exposed to drugs and or alcohol prenatally.

so they are saying she may have cp and or some FAE. She is seven month old now and they have not definitely diagnosed her with either although I assume it is a little early for that.

We already have two other children. My son would be in preschool and I would be home ft with our little girl whom we are hoping to adopt. She is five to six months delayed and currently receives PT, OT and DT mulitple times a month.

My questions are... What would we be facing in the way of challenges if she did have CP and some mild FAE? Are we crazy to even consider this??? We have such a heart for special needs kids and also premature infants it feels right to me but my family thinks I am insane!

Any information at all on this level of special needs would be great we are trying to educate ourselves in case we are matched. We want what is best for her and our family.

Thanks in advance!!!

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by Christians-Mommy

She is five to six months delayed and currently receives PT, OT and DT mulitple times a month.

My questions are... What would we be facing in the way of challenges if she did have CP and some mild FAE? Are we crazy to even consider this??? We have such a heart for special needs kids and also premature infants it feels right to me but my family thinks I am insane!

Any information at all on this level of special needs would be great we are trying to educate ourselves in case we are matched. We want what is best for her and our family.

Thanks in advance!!!

No, I don't think you're crazy at all! DH and I definitely want to adopt another special needs kiddo, and our son really has some significant special needs. We have the resources and the medical staff necessary , and even though his heart defect was a surprise, it has been something we learned to deal with.
The fact that she's already receiving EI is great. I think that really makes a huge difference. I don't know that I really have anything specific to say, other than if you have a heart for special needs, it sounds like she could do really well in your family. Keep just learning as much as you can.

[Christians-Mommy]

Are there any parents out there who's children have CP and were drug/alcohol effected? I am wondering how much of a difference the combination of those things makes?

Thanks!

[SuzBerg]

Christians-Mommy- I don't have any experience with CP or FAE so I'm sorry I can't help you on that one. But I wanted to let you know - I don't think you are crazy either. Our daughter has some pretty serious medical concerns (actually the same as DDW's son ), and some developmental delays. She has been with us almost 4 years now and is 6.5 years old. Her kindergarten teacher told me she is reading ABOVE the expectation level for kinder, I was shocked. We were told she probly would never catch up to kids her age and would always be delayed, we are prepared for that.

I think if you have a desire to adopt a special needs kiddo, are able to educate yourself on their issues and have a level of expectation equal with the childs you are doing the right thing to pursue Special Needs/Medical Issues adoption. Best Wishes - Suz

[adoptionblessin]

My daughter has both CP and FAS. While the unknowns can be scary she has passed all Dr's expectations she was originally on 6 machines and today at almost 4 is on none.She had her feeding tube removed on Dec 31. Are thier challenges yes but you can do it . Some days she has more sensory issues and hyperactivity but overall she is doing great.