Special Needs Adoption

adoptive  mom holding her daughter

Articles and resources for parents adopting a child with special needs.

Adoption Book Reviews
Recommended books for adoption of children with special needs.

Special Needs and Development of Children Adopted at an Older Age
An overview of developmental issues of older adoptees, from a child welfare specialist. (Victor Groza, PhD)

Adopting a Child with a Developmental or Chronic Disability
Developmental disabilities and emotional, mental, or physical disorders are common among older children waiting for adoption. (Martha J. Henry and Daniel Pollack)

Adoption - What Special Needs Are You Willing to Accept?
How to make an informed decision in your adoption application and referral. What special need, medical or health condition are you open to in your adoption? (Pat Johnston)

Alcohol and Drug Exposure Issues in Adoption
The potential for social, emotional, cognitive or physical delays or disabilities. (Stephanie Bosco-Ruggiero, Gloria Russo Wassell and Victor Groza)

Special Son
The caring words of a little boy with autism have special significance for his adoptive mother, in this heartwarming and inspirational personal story. (Alicia Britt Chole)

Special Needs and Development of Children Adopted at an Older Age
An overview of developmental issues of older adoptees, from a child welfare specialist. (Victor Groza, PhD.)

Preparing Families for Adoption of Instiutionalized Children At Risk for Special Needs
Advice for parents on adopting children who have special needs or who are at risk. (Dr. Victor Groza and Daniela F. Ileana)

Attaching in Adoption
Deborah Gray provides professional guidance on the attachment of adopted children, in this exclusive interview. (Allison Martin)

The Waiting Child
Touching poem about an older child waiting for adoption. (Debbie Brodie)

Malnutrition
Most children arriving in the United States from institutional care have mild caloric deprivation or mild to serious psychosocial dwarfism. (Jean Nelson-Erichson and Heino R. Erichson)

Adopting and Parenting the Older Child
Trish Maskew, an adoption professional, provides advice for parents considering the adoption of an older child in this interview. (Allison Martin)

Are Institutions a Place to Call Home?
Dr. Groza's review of the impacts of institutionalism on children adopted from Romania has implications for children remaining in institutions around the world. (Victor Groza, Daniela F. Ileana, and Ivor Irwin)

Should You Request a Sensory Integration Evaluation for Your Child Adopted from an Institution?
Why children adopted from orphanages and other institutions have sensory integration effects, and when to seek an evaluation for your adopted child. (Harriet McCarthy)

Adoption Resources
Links to various online adoption resources.