Adopting a Child with Special Needs
Some adoptive parents chose to raise children with special needs, and others find out after their children are home that they will have unexpected challenges. Lack of information can make getting a diagnosis and providing appropriate help difficult, and lack of preparation can put strain on families. Here's where to find help and support.
Adopting a child with special needs can be hard and scary, but there are great things about it, too. This humorous, heartfelt list gives you 10 good reasons to give it a try.
About.com's Adoption site is full of information on adoption, foster care, and many of the issues that will affect parents adopting a child with special needs.
Reece's Rainbow is an adoption ministry that advocates for waiting children with Down syndrome in international orphanages and lightens the financial burden on families wishing to adopt them.
Adoption information and photolistings, specializing particularly in special needs and other hard-to-place children.
Excellent site with articles, research and resources regarding the challenges faced by children adopted from Eastern European orphanages, including articles on sensory integration, failure to thrive, and special education needs.
Lengthy article from KidsHealth addresses both domestic and international adoption.
Information on adopting children with special needs from Eastern Europe, including a large number of e-mail lists for personalized information and support.
