Contents
What Is International Adoption?
Where to Begin the International Adoption Process
Traits that Agencies and Countries Look for in Adoptive Parents
International Adoption Costs
Types of Children Available to Adopt Internationally
Other Issues in International Adoption
Starting the Adoption Process
The Adoption Wait
The Adoption Referral
How to Prepare to Travel to Your Child’s Country
In-Country Adoption
Your Adopted Child’s Homecoming
Common Issues with Children Adopted Internationally
Attachment Challenges in
Adopted Children
How to Create a Lifebook
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Common Issues with Children Adopted Internationally
Children who have grown up in an orphanage abroad often have common issues that you’ll need to deal with upon bringing them home.
Health Challenges with Adopted Children
Because they may not have been able to get the individual care they needed, many internationally adopted children are undernourished or underweight. Some have lingering coughs or colds. A thorough checkup with your doctor should be a top priority soon after coming home.
Feeding Issues with Adopted Children
Many children raised in orphanages have problems with food and eating. These issues can include:
- Inability to be held while feeding: Many children were fed from bottles propped in their cribs, and they may have trouble tolerating touch while eating.
- Overeating or hoarding food: Children who are accustomed to being fed on a schedule instead of when they’re hungry may not be able to regulate their food intake by themselves.
- Trouble handling different textures: Some children may have trouble adjusting to food that doesn’t taste or feel like the food they’re used to.
Talk to your pediatrician about ways to help your child cope with her feeding issues. If things don’t improve, you may want to ask the pediatrician to recommend a feeding specialist for your child.
Communication Issues with Adopted Children
One of the many things your child must adjust to when coming home with you is the sound of a new language. Speech delays are common in internationally adopted children—even preverbal children have a learning curve. You can meet this challenge by:
- Using sign language: Even very young babies can benefit from simple baby signs for commonly used words, such as more and bottle.
- Finding an interpreter: Face-to-face sessions are best, but phone calls can also help you share information about rules and give your child the chance to ask questions. If you’re unsure of how to find an interpreter, ask your agency or contact the nearest university to see whether they have any resources.
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