In intercountry adoption, the numbers of children labeled with "special needs" far outnumber those with a diagnosis of healthy. These children are among the most vulnerable and need the security of a safe, committed and loving family. The words "special needs" can easily elicit many images which don't accurately portray the children who wait. They are first and foremost "kids" who need a permanent family. We encourage you to take the time to really learn about the needs of these children and how you can welcome them into your family.
“Special needs” is a category covering social, medical, physical, and developmental challenges. Children may be described to have special needs when they are:
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Older than age 5.
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Part of a sibling group that needs to be adopted together.
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Have a history of trauma.
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Children with identified physical, developmental, or emotional delays/disabilities.
Identified physical needs can include:
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Being a Boy
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Bone, Muscle, and Joint Conditions
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Ear, Eye, and Head Conditions
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Feeding / Colon Conditions
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Heart / Blood Conditions
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Infectious Diseases
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Neurologic Conditions
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Reproductive / Urologic Conditions
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Skin Conditions
We encourage you to visit Love Without Boundaries web site for reference information about each of these categories of needs. When you are exploring adoption of a child with special needs it will also be important that you talk with families who have adopted a child with the need, do independent research, and talk to medical professionals who can guide you to understand short and long term care required for a particular need.