Other Special Needs Boys, 0-5

Ezekiel was born to a teenage mother whose family faced socioeconomic struggles including overcrowding, poor housing conditions, and a lack of access to basic needs. While his biological mother and grandmother tried to care for him, they lacked the resources and knowledge to meet his specific needs. When Ezekiel was just two months old, health workers noticed he was receiving improper nutrition, such as being fed gelatin from a bottle, and he was taken into care.

Ezekiel primary diagnoses include a genetic condition called Mosaic 1q21.1q22 duplication syndrome, microcephaly, and congenital hypotonia. He also has vision conditions, including optic atrophy and right convergent strabismus (a turned eye). A significant part of Ezekiel’s daily care revolves around his feeding. He has an infantile feeding and swallowing disorder. Because he cannot safely tolerate solid foods, he requires a specialized liquid and purée diet. He needs to eat while sitting at a 90-degree angle, offering thick textures and liquids from a spoon to protect his airway. Despite these challenges, his nutritional status is currently stable. He maintains a healthy weight for his height. He takes a daily iron supplement and actively participates in physical, occupational, and speech therapies. He will need ongoing care from a team of specialists, including genetics, gastroenterology, neuropediatrics, and ophthalmology.

Because of his genetic condition and low muscle tone, Ezekiel experiences significant global developmental delays. Although he is 18 months old chronologically, his developmental milestones currently align with those of a 5- to 6-month-old infant. He requires constant supervision and full support for all daily activities. His motor skills are slowly progressing with the help of his physical therapies, but his hypotonia affects his ability to move independently. His communication is primarily non-verbal, relying on expressions and sounds to connect with his caregivers. With consistent therapy and a structured environment, Ezekiel continues to show steady, beautiful progress at his own pace.

Ezekiel has a remarkably calm, happy, and gentle temperament. In his current foster home, he has formed strong, secure emotional bonds. He finds true refuge, acceptance, and security in the presence of the people who care for him. He manages his emotions well when he feels safe. Ezekiel thrives on physical affection and gentle reassurance. He shows a wonderful sense of confidence and relaxation when his trusted caregivers are nearby. He is an exploratory and willing child who embraces the world around him as long as he feels emotionally supported.

Ezekiel is a delightful little boy who finds joy in the simple things. He loves discovering his own body and spends time happily playing with his hands and feet. He enjoys it when adults and other children play with him, and he loves hearing the familiar voices of his foster family. He is a big fan of animal sounds and enjoys watching colorful shows like Paw Patrol, La Granja de Zenón, and La Vaca Lola. He also loves listening to children’s music. Mornings are a special time for Ezekiel because he absolutely loves taking baths, followed by relaxing gentle massages. He also enjoys going out, looking through car windows, and visiting cool, air-conditioned places like the grocery store.

When it comes to his special diet, Ezekiel has a great appetite! His absolute favorite meals are smooth purées made from beans, spinach, or arracacha mixed with chicken. For a sweet treat, he loves natural fruit compotes made from mango, banana, and apple.

Ezekiel needs a family that can embrace his medical routine while celebrating his beautiful spirit.

Here is what is said about me:

Tio was born 4 weeks prematurely with a complex congenital heart condition, including pulmonary atresia and Tetralogy of Fallot. He has undergone multiple cardiac surgeries, including right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery conduit placement and angioplasty with stent placement. He has experienced postoperative complications, including surgical site infection and respiratory infections, all of which were medically managed. He currently requires continuous oxygen support via nasal cannula (1 liter per minute) and takes cardiac medications including furosemide, spironolactone, and low-dose aspirin. He remains under close pediatric and cardiology follow-up, with additional evaluations pending in genetics and general pediatrics.

Despite his significant medical history, Tio is described as a calm, affectionate, and resilient child. He responds warmly to caregivers, makes eye contact, smiles socially, and enjoys music, light-up toys, and physical closeness. He demonstrates curiosity about his environment and enjoys sensory exploration.

Developmentally, Tio presents global developmental delay secondary to his complex medical condition and prolonged hospitalizations. He can sit independently, roll, assume a crawling position, and manipulate objects with his hands. His fine motor skills are emerging, though slightly below expectations. Expressively, he babbles and produces repetitive syllables, though language development is delayed for his age. He receives ongoing interdisciplinary services including physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychological support. With continued therapeutic intervention and a stable family environment, he is expected to continue progressing.

Nutritionally, Tio is stable and well nourished, with adequate weight and height for age. His vaccination schedule is up to date. He tolerates solid foods well and maintains appropriate daily intake. Emotionally and socially, Tio forms attachments and responds positively to consistent caregiving. He expresses joy through smiles and gestures, communicates needs through crying and vocalization, and is receptive to affection. He has shown increasing emotional security and regulation within the structured environment of his current placement.

Tio would benefit from an adoptive family that is emotionally sensitive, patient, and well-prepared to manage complex medical needs. His family should be committed to ongoing cardiology care, therapeutic follow-up, and providing structured routines with nurturing support. A family with strong advocacy skills and access to pediatric cardiology services will be essential to meet his ongoing medical needs. Most importantly, he needs a loving, stable home that will encourage his development at his own pace and celebrate his resilience and strengths.

Tio is a gentle, sweet, and determined child whose smile reflects his strong will to live and connect. With proper medical care and the unconditional love of a permanent family, he has significant potential to thrive.

Albie is a preschool aged child with Spina Bifida and uses a wheelchair. He is extremely bright and loves to sing and practice his ABCs.

Mike was born via cesarean section at 32 weeks. At birth, he required resuscitation and spent much of his early life in hospitals.

Mike has polymalformative syndrome, complex congenital heart disease, agenesis of the left radius and thumb, agenesis of the right kidney, psychomotor developmental delay, intestinal malrotation, and asplenia, for which he receives prophylactic treatment. He has undergone several cardiac interventions, including pulmonary venous return, Glen surgery, and two catheterizations, and he is expected to undergo another catheterization and heart surgery (Fontan procedure) in the future.

He also has gastroesophageal reflux disease, treated with Nissen fundoplication, and a gastrostomy. Mike receives multidisciplinary care across pediatrics, nutrition, ENT, orthopedics, plastic surgery, child psychiatry, and gastroenterology, with upcoming appointments in genetics and developmental pediatrics. He takes medications including captopril, cetirizine, mometasone nasal spray, amoxicillin, vitamin D, and acetylsalicylic acid.

Mike is a courageous and resilient little boy, making progress every day with dedicated medical care and support.

Kevin is 3 years old and he is in his first year of preschool at a public school. His integration into the school system has gone smoothly. He is a cheerful, calm, affectionate, and happy child.

Kevin has a global developmental delay; Prenatal microcephaly (cranial magnetic resonance imaging performed in September 2023);
Strabismus and decreased visual acuity – uses ocular prostheses and alternating occlusion

Genetic testing was performed. The results indicate that the child is heterozygous for the identified variants. This does not confirm, but also does not exclude, a possible diagnosis. Analysis of copy number variation (CNV) coverage data did not detect any large deletions or duplications that could explain the patient’s phenotype. A genetic consultation has been requested and is pending.

Dirk and Kaleb are brothers who have been living together in residential care since October 19, 2023.

Their shared experiences have created a strong emotional bond, with Dirk often serving as a protective and guiding figure for Kaleb. Both children benefit from continuity, structure, and the support of a stable environment, which helps mitigate the impact of early family instability.

Dirk, the eldest, is curious, active, and cognitively capable, though he requires support with emotional regulation and school learning. Kaleb is affectionate, gentle, and developing independence, thriving in predictable and nurturing settings.

The siblings are covered by a Judicial Trust Measure with a View to Future Adoption, finalized on 10/30/2025, and joint adoption is considered the best path forward to preserve their relationship, provide emotional security, and ensure a stable future for both.

The ideal family would offer emotional stability, structure, and consistency, supporting Dirk’s and Kaleb’s individual needs while keeping their sibling bond intact—a source of protection, comfort, and belonging for both.

Josh and Vance are two affectionate, resilient brothers who share a special bond and are looking for a nurturing family to help them thrive together.

About Josh:
Josh is a sociable, playful 4th grader who loves hugs, laughter, and outdoor adventures. He enjoys football, walks, and beach outings, and is independent with eating and personal care. Josh has ADHD and receives support for focus and learning, showing great progress in language and social skills.

About Vance:
Vance is a calm, sweet little boy who enjoys quiet play, cartoons, cars, and short walks. He has a gentle personality and is well-adapted to his preschool environment. Vance is healthy overall and continues routine medical follow-ups.

Their bond:
These brothers have been through a lot together and provide each other comfort and companionship. They would thrive in a loving, patient home where their sibling relationship can remain strong.

Josh and Vance are looking for a family that can offer stability, warmth, and support, giving them the chance to grow, play, and flourish together. If your family might be a fit for Josh and Vance, please reach out — the agency would love to share more about these special brothers!

This 4 years old boy is ready to light up his forever family’s world!! He has HIV, speech and development delays. He loves dancing, playing, and being around other children.

Phil is a wonderful boy with a calm and curious personality. He enjoys socializing and being around friends. Phil is in good physical health. He has an intellectual delay and a history of strabismus (crossed eyes), which was surgically corrected and currently presents with no symptoms.

Annie’s medical history includes a neurological condition with early-onset epilepsy (seizures are currently well controlled with medication), a syndrome of congenital anomalies with predominantly facial involvement, microcephaly, strabismus, and global developmental delays (neurological and psychological). She can stand with support but does not yet walk independently and has limited coordination. She loves interacting with caregivers and is a very sweet little girl.

Meet precious Johnny! He is only 1 years old, turning 2 in the spring. Because of his special needs, he was never raised by his biological family and has spent his entire young life in the neonatology unit, in a children’s home, and now in his current group home for children with medical needs. Johnny is a gentle, sweet boy who needs a loving and devoted family.

Johnny can sit independently and he can assume a hands-and-knees position. He grasps toys and responds with positive emotion during interaction. He has good hand-to-mouth coordination. Johnny can turn from back to belly and vice versa. When standing, he has weak support on his legs.

Most of the time, Johnny is calm; there are no signs of increased anxiety, frustration, or aggression. He uses crying to seek attention or to satisfy needs but calms down quickly when comforted through hugging, gentle stroking, or talking. His sleep is calm.

He has lived in a foster family since 6 months of age and requires constant supervision due to young age and behavioral challenges. He was diagnosed with childhood autism in June 2025.

He demonstrates a global developmental delay affecting physical, cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Physical development shows a mild delay: he sits independently, stands up on his own, and walks with hand support. Fine and gross motor skills are slightly delayed; muscle tone is adequate, and there are no musculoskeletal disorders.

Neurologically and behaviorally, Dane shows limited social engagement: he does not respond to his name, does not maintain eye contact, does not follow commands, and does not initiate interaction. Play is non-functional and stereotypical (e.g., spinning objects). He exhibits stereotyped behaviors and requires adult guidance for constructive play.

Expressive speech is absent, with only incomprehensible vocalizations and occasional syllables. Cognitive functioning, memory, and intellect are below age level, and higher mental activity cannot be reliably assessed due to age and developmental limitations.

Emotionally, he is generally calm, responds to positive and negative stimuli with a delayed reaction, and shows attachment through hugging familiar caregivers. He rarely expresses needs verbally and may become distressed when objects are taken away.

Meet adorable Axton!  Axton has never lived with his biological family and has spent his entire life in hospitals and children’s institutions. His special needs are primarily medical, and his congenital malformations have been successfully treated surgically. Although his neuropsychological and motor development are delayed, Axton is making steady progress.

Axton moves around using a walker and is very active. He sits independently without support. His speech is in the process of development; he pronounces individual sounds and produces a variety of vocalizations.

Axton is cheerful and smiles often. He actively seeks the attention of adults and laughs out loud during playful interactions. He shows good adaptation to new environments and daily routines. Axton is calm and does not display self-aggressive behavior. He independently reaches for toys placed around him, taps them, and explores them with curiosity.

Axton is fed with a spoon by an adult while seated in a high chair. Efforts are being made to teach him to drink liquids from a cup. He falls asleep in a crib, and his sleep is calm.

Information is from June 2025:

Yoshi was removed from his family at a young age, due to their lack of ability to provide adequate care. Yoshi presents with a complex medical profile requiring ongoing attention and care. His primary diagnoses include: Neurodevelopmental delay: affecting various areas of growth; Macrocephaly: disproportion of the skull/face and minor facial dysmorphisms; Muscular Hypotrophy: specifically noted in the lower extremities, though they are symmetrical; Growth Concerns: short stature and low weight, previously hospitalized for protein-calorie malnutrition; Expressive Language Disorder: significant difficulties in verbal communication; Cardiac Concerns: possible pulmonary valve insufficiency and mild tricuspid insufficiency (syndrome under study). He has a history of hospitalization for respiratory infections (pneumonia) and malnutrition but has stabilized under current care. He has no known allergies. His current medical regimen includes nutritional support. His vaccination schedule is up to date for his age.

Yoshi faces several developmental challenges. He exhibits a significant delay in verbal expression. His vocabulary is limited, and he struggles with pronunciation, articulation, and structuring sentences. He primarily uses gestures and short words to communicate. While he has shown improved mobility, he experiences difficulties with gross motor skills such as running, jumping, and climbing stairs. He exhibits generalized hypotonia and issues with balance and coordination. He has cognitive difficulties understanding complex instructions. He is currently working on sphincter control and still requires diapers. However, he is showing progress in independence, such as using a spoon during meals.

Despite his challenges, Yoshi possesses a warm and engaging personality. He is described as an active, affectionate, and receptive child. He shows a genuine interest in social interaction and engaging with the world around him. Yoshi has an adequate capacity to form bonds with significant adults and is progressively learning to interact with peers. He enjoys group play and is capable of sharing toys. He tends to express his emotions clearly through facial expressions and gestures. He thrives in environments where he feels emotionally secure.

Yoshi is a child with distinct likes and dislikes that help define his daily life: He has a strong preference for symbolic and construction games. He enjoys recreational activities, particularly playing ball, searching for elements, and visiting parks or rivers. He enjoys fruits such as bananas, watermelon, tangerines, and oranges. He dislikes pineapple and chopped papaya (though he accepts papaya in juice form). He benefits from a structured sleep routine, sleeping easily and restfully, which contributes positively to his mood and willingness to participate in daily activities.

Yoshi requires a parenting style that combines deep affection with structure. His ideal home will prioritize his medical and therapeutic needs—including ongoing nutritional support and developmental therapies—while providing an emotionally safe and orderly environment.

Izaiah is now living in a foster family and is receiving physical therapy at a rehabilitation center three days a week. The foster family reports that they are seeing major improvements in his motor skills now that he is receiving support and intervention services. His foster mother reports that he can pull himself up to a standing position using support (example: laying down in the crib and pulls to stand by holding on to the side of the crib). His physical therapist stated that he is making “visible progress” and should soon be independently walking. Izaiah has had surgeries for cataracts in both eyes (2 on the right and one on the left). It is believed he has limited vision from his left eye. He has a diagnosis of internal hydrocephalus, however, his foster mother reports that he was recently seen again by neurology and the diagnosis was dropped. Izaiah understands what is said to him. He smiles and makes eye contact. He says a few single words and also uses gestures and facial expressions to communicate. When asked how old he is he shows two fingers. He is beginning to indicate when he needs to use the restroom, but is still wearing diaper. He holds items in his hands and explores them. He plays with toys and participates in games. He shows an interest in other children.

Other mixed disorders of behavior and emotions. Disorder in psychological development, unspecified. Moderate cognitive delay, without mention of behavioral disorder

He lives in a home for medical and social childcare. He was born to a minor mother who had epilepsy and took anti-epileptic medications during pregnancy. There was a complicated pregnancy and birth, resulting in extreme posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus. A shunt was implanted but failed. A new one was inserted. Malachi is on permanent antiepileptic monotherapy, without convulsive manifestations.

Due to the extreme hydrocephalus, Malachi is in impaired general condition, with significant lag in psychomotor development – no head control, does not turn around, does not sit or stand. He needs specialized care, monitoring by medical specialists, and daily medical rehabilitation. He is usually in a positive emotional state. He coos frequently and continuously. He reacts animatedly to the speech of an adult. He initiates a desire for physical contact by smiling. The boy is completely dependent on the care of an adult. His sleep is peaceful. He takes food with a pacifier. The agency has videos of him.

Precious Owyn is looking for a special family.

He is diagnosed with hydrocephalus and has some other medical issues that require in-depth care. The adoption agency has a lot more photos and more information about his needs and video footage.  A specific adoption agency also has grant funding in the amount of $2500 available.

Meet Eddie! This sweet little man just turned two years old. He likes to transfer a toy from one hand to the other and will look for a dropped toy. He is able to push buttons on electronic toys, and he reacts positively when adults try to engage him. He is able to roll from side to side and can sit with some assistance. Because of his medical diagnoses, Eddie receives all of his nutrition via a g-tube. He sleeps well and protests at bath time. His diagnoses include Congenital malformation of the digestive system – atresia of the esophagus with tracheoesophageal fistula. Condition following surgical intervention; implanted percutaneous g-tube. Congenital heart malformation – small intraventricular defect. Protein-energy malnutrition. Delayed psychomotor development. He will almost certainly need  more surgeries in the future in order to eat by mouth, and any family considering Eddie should be sure they are prepared to meet his medical needs.

Paul can crawl, pull to a stand, walk holding the hand of an adult and has recently started taking steps independently. He knows where his toys are kept in the house (toy boxes) and will go to them to get his toys. His fine motor skills are well developed. He transfers small objects from hand to hand and has a pincer grasp. He shows an interest in toys and outdoor activities, such as swinging. He enjoys cause and effect toys. His speech is starting to develop. He “babbles”, saying syllables such as “da-da” and “ba-ba”. He is attached to familiar people and expresses his emotions in age appropriate ways. He was recently prescribed glasses to help with his vision issues.

Kevin can sit on his own. He plays with toys. He interacts positively with caregivers. He makes some sounds, but is not yet saying any words.

Meet Sebastian, a delightful and active four-year-old-boy from a Caribbean island who is eagerly awaiting his forever family. Sebastian is a vibrant little explorer who loves to move! He’s remarkably coordinated, climbing stairs, and showing great dexterity as he twists and unscrews things. Sebastian is also a curious learner who enjoys imitating actions and is already showing a keen eye for color, happily sorting objects. He’s growing by leaps and bounds, blossoming into a bright and engaging individual who will bring so much joy to a loving home. Sebastian possesses a wonderful range of emotions, openly expressing his happiness and other feelings, and he’s beginning to form connections with those around him. He is ready to flourish in a supportive and nurturing adoptive family where his unique strengths can shine even brighter. Sebastian has been diagnosed with mild autism.

Congenital anomaly of the central nervous system – hydrocephalus; condition after implantation of a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Epilepsy. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Non-allergic asthma. Cortical blindness. Spastic quadriparesis. Severe developmental delay. Atopic dermatitis.

Widsom is HIV+, has sickle cell anemia, and is Hep B positive. The agency has extensive medical information on him as of November 2024. The videos of him do also seem to indicate cerebral palsy. At the time of listing, he is nearing two years of age.

Meet Vance! This three-year-old boy needs a family who has easy access to the many specialists he will need to thrive, as, in addition to regular medical assessments, he will benefit from ongoing physical and occupational therapies. Vance is able to roll from back to front. He reacts to sounds, and is able to be calmed by familiar adults when he is upset. He can be coaxed to give a smile, and while he does not purposefully play with toys, he does have a favorite teddy bear. He is able to eat from a spoon, though this picky eater cannot feed himself. 

Vance was also previously listed as Vinnie.

Info from March 2024:

When Mell was born, his biological parents tried to take care of him even with his special needs, but they lived in a small town far away from cities and hospitals. At his one month check-up, he was diagnosed with congenital malformation of the spinal cord, hydrocephalus, low weight, fetal growth delay, and respiratory syndrome. At one of his following check-ups, the doctor sent Mell to the hospital due to a high fever and inflammation of the brain. Sadly, though they had tried, his parents recognized that they did not have the means of caring for him in the ways he needed, both due to finances and distance from necessary medical care, and they asked Protective Services to care for him. No other family members were able to provide the care he needed as well. Mell was placed in a foster home and is doing well.

Mell has been receiving various types of therapies which have been valuable in his development. When meeting adults for the first time, he becomes shy, but he recognizes familiar people and loves to interact with them. Mell identifies the emotions on people´s faces and interacts accordingly. He is a very expressive child who shows affection in various ways, and sometimes gets jealous when his foster mother gives affection to the other children. According to the professionals who care for him, Mell has the language development of a 12-month toddler. He communicates through crying and screaming and can say some short words such as “mama” and “papa.” He also imitates animal sounds, such as those of a dog or cat. He responds to simple instructions such “Take this” and “Give me that.” Mell identifies different body parts, plays with Play-Dough, and performs other activities that strengthen his fine motor skills. His movements are spontaneous despite the limitations he has in his lower limbs.  Due to his chronological age, Mell requires support, supervision, and guidance to fulfill his daily routines. Mell takes two naps during the day and sleeps throughout the night. He wears diapers all day.

Mell likes to interact with peers or adults and loves to spend time outside. He gets excited when he hears a motorcycle engine as he immediately thinks he is going to go out and gets anxious. He gets upset when his diaper is dirty and when he is not allowed to go out. Mell gets happy with simple things, and he likes to laugh a lot. Mell loves to drink sweet juices. Due to his medical condition, he does not wear shoes but wears very soft socks. He enjoys it when adults help him to kick the ball to play soccer. Mell also likes to play with cars and airplanes.

Liam works with a physical therapist every day. The PT also acts as a primary caregiver most days and is the adult that Liam is the most familiar with in the orphanage. Liam has recently gained head control and can now lift and hold up his head when on his stomach. He reaches for toys and other desired objects. He attends to toys and electronics (will focus on a video on a phone). He rolls to try to get to toys on a mat. He is very attentive to his environment. He drinks from a bottle and eats pureed foods from a spoon. He prefers fruit puree and other sweeter flavored foods. A team member who visited him said, “He is a lovable little guy who shows lots of potential and ability for emotional attachment.”

Pah is a lovely little 4-year-old boy in need of a permanent home. He has been with his foster family since he a little baby. He is bonded to his foster family as well as another foster child in the home who is 3 months younger than him.

Pah currently is in good normal health. However, when Pah was 22 days old he showed peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis, small patent foramen ovale (PFO), and secundum atrial septic defect 1.5 mm. On the follow-up echocardiogram in April 2022, the results showed normal heart anatomy and function. As of his August 2024 child checkup, his hearing and vision were reported to be normal. While Pah’s physical health remains good, he has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in August 2023, for which he attends Child and Adolescent Psychiatry therapy. During the same evaluation, he was assessed to have a mild delay in gross motor skills as well as a mild delay in oral language. He had been previously diagnosed in 2022 with Borderline Developmental Delay. As observed, he can speak clearly, except that he may mispronounce some words.  He is able to hold conversations with adults and express his needs and feelings in sentences.  He can also follow instructions. Pah receives speech therapy about 2 times per month, and physiotherapy and occupational therapy 3-4 times per year at school. Pah can walk and run confidently.  He can jump forward 12inches with both feet, stand on one leg, walk upstairs and downstairs with alternative feet by holding onto the handrail, throw and catch a ball, and kick a ball forward 5 feet away. He can also climb up the rope net.  In terms of fine motor skills, Pah can build a tower of 9 blocks, remove bottle caps, hold a pen to draw, turn pages one by one, and thread beads.

Pah is described as a happy, outgoing but also stubborn child who has shown improvements in his emotional expression. He has become more accepting of reasoning as he gets older. Due to his ASD features, Pah has a set way of doing things. He also tends to cry easily over trivial things such as when he cannot find a toy or complete a task on his own. Pah shares a normal relationship with the other foster child in the home. They have typical sibling-like rivalries and will sometimes fight over toys. He shares a close relationship with the foster mother and accepts her guidance and follows her instructions. Overall, Pah is generally an easy child to take care of. He is well-behaved and manageable most of the time except that he tends to cry easily and can also be quite stubborn at times.

Pah performs well in his self-care tasks. Being able to drink from a cup and a straw, he can feed himself with spoon and a fork. He can wash and dry his hands with a towel; put on and take off his clothes, shoes and socks; brush his teeth and wash his face. He has finished toilet training and does not need to wear diapers. He can go to the toilet by himself. He only needs assistance in bathing, washing his hair and cleaning after a bowel movement.

Pah is attending pre-kindergarten at a nursery school.  As described by the teacher, Pah has some close friends at school and enjoys a satisfactory relationship with his teachers. He can follow school rules and routines.  Being attentive in class, he enjoys participating indifferent activities.  As described, Pah is sometimes sensitive to the teacher’s reminders and sometimes is emotional about this. Pah knows lots of colors, shapes, fruits, animals, food and body parts. He also knows some concepts such as “big-small,” “up-down,” etc. He can recite the numbers from 1 to 50 and recognize some letters and numbers. He can tell others his name and age.

Families with a home study prepared for any international country can submit for consideration of Pah. The agency program specialist can explain the child/family matching process in his country.

Theodore was born prematurely at 25 weeks; he will need ongoing support from doctors as he continues his development.

He is described as being very cheerful, curious, positive, interested in everything, expresses positive emotions and smiles a lot and responds when spoken to. He listens attentively to adults and can distinguish between a stern and pleasant tone of an adult. Makes single sounds, says words and waves his hand to those leaving. When asked, shows where his nose, eyes and mouth are, claps his hands.  He is eager to play with toys for his age and likes toys that make different sounds. The boy is very affectionate and very active. Since March of this year, he has learned to walk independently using a walker. He needs to wear orthopedic footwear at all times. He walks short distances, has an irregular gait, and staggers. He eats a wide variety of food and has no allergies. The child eats on his own, is learning to sit on a potty and is a good sleeper. He can’t hear in one ear as it is undeveloped so he wears a hearing aid and attends checkup appointments for his hearing. He responds when called by name. He enjoys kindergarten and being around other children. He completed a rehabilitation program in 2023 that was very effective and has shown positive changes in his development.

Phineas was previously listed as Phil — he is a sweet boy who was born with a polymalformative syndrome. His condition comes with needs that set him apart, and he was placed in care early on.

Phineas uses a wheelchair in his daily life. He also spends time in a standing frame. He enjoys smiling at people and laughing. Phineas enjoys sensory experiences with tactile or auditory input. He enjoys listening to a maraca or touching a soft stuffed animal.

Jeremiah is a young child who finds great joy in the simple pleasures of childhood. He delights in playing with his toy cars and balls, rolling them across the floor and watching them zip and zoom. Jeremiah also loves to watch the adventures of the Paw Patrol pups, their heroic rescues and amusing antics, capturing his attention whenever the show is on. On weekends, Jeremiah’s foster parents take him and the other children to the local park, where he eagerly explores the playground equipment. The tall, twisting slide is a particular favorite, Jeremiah giggling with glee as he slides down its smooth surface. For unfamiliar structures at the park, Jeremiah first observes cautiously before mustering the courage to join in the fun. His natural curiosity and sociability allow him to seamlessly integrate with any groups of children he encounters. At home, Jeremiah cherishes the playtime he shares with his foster brother. However, Jeremiah maintains a wary distance from household pets, becoming physically tense and nervous if a cat or dog ventures too close. He prefers to watch them from behind the safety of his foster parents. Still learning self-care, Jeremiah diligently works on tasks like brushing his teeth, washing his face, and dressing himself, though he relies on the gentle guidance of his foster mother. Although he is not afraid of strangers, Jeremiah warms up to new people after observing them for a while. His stable, sunny disposition and affectionate nature shines through as he cuddles happily in the arms of his foster mother. Though easily distracted, Jeremiah remains engaged with the world around him, his keen curiosity evident in everything he does.

 

His diagnoses is Edwards Syndrome including congenital cardiac malformation with large intracardiac defect, cortical blindness, and severe delay in the neuro-psychological development. The August report says the following:

Vincent was extremely calm during the whole visit. He sleeps in a small room, together with three other children with disabilities. He sleeps in a crib. He spends most of his time in his bed, being periodically put in a chaise lounge or in a car basket. He cannot sit upright, either independently, as well as with support. His position in the lounger/car seat is semi-recumbent.

Vincent predominantly uses his right hand and his body is almost constantly turned slightly to the right. He can turn from his back to one side and vice versa, he cannot turn on his stomach. When placed on his stomach, he cannot raise his head. Vincent is basically blind, according to the diagnosis and by a specialist, although the staff has doubts because the child often reacts to light. During my visit, when displaying and attempting to stimulate a reaction with a ball of light, no such reaction was observed.

Vincent showed interest in the new toys and especially in the noisy book which he grabbed with his right hand, held for a while and even waved it with his hand. As the teacher shared, he grabs like a crab, with pincers. The ball turned out to be too big for him to hold in one hand. Although the book was kind of prickly, Vincent did not react in any way, not even by pulling away.

A sharp noise does not startle Vincent, this was also evident from the sharp squealing from the side of the ball. He listens when there is music, and can show a slight liveliness/activity. He does not react to his name. He likes to be paid attention to, to be spoken to gently and to be hugged. He does not mind being touched … even from a stranger. Vincent’s entire care must be provided for by an adult.  He is fed with a tube, being on 5 feedings per day. He doesn’t get angry or protest when changing or bathing. His sleep is peaceful.

From what I saw Vincent would be much better in a family environment. In the “home”,  he mostly spends his time in his bed doing nothing and getting no attention.  Every child deserves attention and love and stimulation. I really hope that this sweet boy will find his forever family soon!

Info is from January 2023; the agency can get updated information when there is a serious inquiry.

Liamo was placed into protective care upon discharge from the hospital when he was born. At the time of his birth, he suffered severe asphyxia. His mother’s pregnancy was unplanned and she had not received any prenatal care. His parents were unable to grasp his medical diagnosis and condition, they were not in the position to care for his medical needs. No one in the biological family was able to care for him either.

Liamo is a child who needs constant supervision. His oxygen levels needed to be always monitored; however, oxygen support has been removed and he seems to have a better mood. He has not had any seizures but does have some spasms during the day. He cannot stay in a seated position. Despite his diagnosis, Liamo loves to receive affection. He communicates through babbling and other sounds. He needs support to fulfill all daily activities. He wakes up very early in the morning and is still not able to sleep throughout the night. Liamo wears diapers all day.

Liamo can kick his legs and with the help of external support equipment he can stay in a seated position for a period of time. His neck control is getting better, as he now can hold his head up for 40 to 50 seconds. He can grab objects with his hands without applying pressure. Liamo goes to occupational, physical, and speech therapy. He gets easily uncomfortable when he needs to wear more clothes, he prefers to wear very light clothes. He turns his head when he hears a strong noise. He takes daily medication. Liamo likes to change positions constantly and likes to participate in activities where there are sounds involved.

This is Jonathan!  Jonathan is almost 4 years old, and we had the absolute pleasure of meeting him on our last visit to Taiwan.  He is an active toddler who loves cars, balls, steering wheels, and toys that make sound and light up.  He also adores toys that spin!  While Jonathan is interested in meeting new people, he still maintains caution and will distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people and surroundings.  At this time, Jonathan prefers to play on his own, but will occasionally engage with peers when a friend is playing with a toy that Jonathan wants.

Jonathan attends school regularly, and positively interacts with his teachers.  He follows instructions and participates in activities. Jonathan has made significant progress over the past eight months, with increased verbal expressions and connection with others.  While he does primarily use non-word vocalizations to express himself, more recently he has correctly pronounced several words.  Jonathan can accurately identify objects, and follow direction such as ‘go get your school bag.’

Jonathan has made great progress over the past year, and we know his progress would be even stronger with the love and support of a forever family!

Grayson is a 2 year old boy looking for a family. He struggles with delays in mental and psychomotor development. He is a calm and observant child interested in his surroundings. He is comfortable around other children but doesn’t interact with them, mostly plays independently. He can walk without assistance but unsteadily. It is known that his mother consumed alcohol during her pregnancy, but Grayson has not yet received a FAS diagnosis.

Three-year-old Ricky has special needs primarily due to his diagnosis of agenesis of the corpus callosum. While his birth family tried to care for him, he entered into care in November 2022 and was (then) also diagnosed with global neurodevelopmental delay, cryptorchidism, dysmorphic syndrome, and failure to thrive. His current diagnoses are neurodevelopmental delay, dysmorphic syndrome under follow-up, history of intrauterine growth retardation, agenesis of the corpus Callosum and repeated Broncho obstructive Syndrome. The orphanage does report that since coming into care, Ricky has made progress with various types of therapy toward reaching his personal potential.

Ricky’s listing agency also has video available!

Cale loves to be cuddled and held. Cale likes to listen to music and feel different textures. Agency staff met Cale in October of 2022. Contact them to learn more about Cale and his listed medical needs!

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-cale
Password: Adoptmaa