*** This child has significant facial features of FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome). This is a cautionary disclosure to better prepare our potential adoptive families. Families considering this child should research the challenges that can come with this condition. ***
Not much smiling. He speaks.
He is visited by his grandmother but she does not take him home.
Boy 1: disorder of the brain, hypermetropia, astigmatism, atrial septal defect, patent ductus arteriosus, exposure to hiv, malnutrition
Boy 2: disorder of the brain, astigmatism, exposure to hiv, lack of development
Regina needs corrective surgery for her hands, feet, and face, to help her be all she can be. A loving family would give Regina a future outside of a bleak institution.
Many additional pictures and videos of Regina are available upon inquiry.
Her demeanor completely changed when we were left alone with her. She threw toys, phones, etc across the room and screamed a lot. She kept throwing my phone and got upset when I took it away. I believe these behaviors were because she was scared since she was left alone with strangers who spoke a different language. I think that she would do very well with a family who can devote the time to helping her adjust and to communicate. She did so well when there were people in the room who spoke her language. We only could not proceed because of our young children and the fragile health of the boy we are adopting.
He is so sweet, always look happy and friendly.
Updated Nov 2013: He is a very sweet child. Seemed to listen to instructions well. Participated in group activities (like dance and singing). Longing for attention, affection, and stimulation. He does not currently have leukemia; but he has mental delays, and his head is very flat.
Diagnoses are outdated, from when he was a baby; so many things could have gone except for HIV.
He has been transferred to the adult mental institution. He needs out NOW.
From a family who met her in early 2014: She needs out! She is skeletal and looks to be in very poor condition. Neveah just cries and cries if you get near her. Also, she appeared to be heavily sedated. She had a toy tied to her wrist/hand, and her hands were bound to not scratch herself. So, so sad.
Probable FAS (cautionary disclosure….facial features and other medical complications consistent with this condition).
He understood speech addressed to him and appropriately made the correct animal sound when asked what the dog, cow, etc says. He also knew placement of his body parts. (Eyes, ears…) I did not observe him speak except for animal sounds but gestured appropriately when he needed his needs met.
He does tend to ignore redirection, but does it with a mischievous gleam in his eye and, due to him responding appropriately to questions, there is no doubt in my mind he understands, just doesn’t want to listen! After all, the director’s large office was a fun, new place to explore!
I saw him swinging in a swing and he seems fine physically. His movement (walking and running) is very good. He is not overly affectionate but tolerates affection well. (Director was lifting him/giving him hugs)
This is a nice institution to adopt from. It is an easy walk from the hotel and the hotel director speaks English and is very welcoming and accommodating to American guests. They will overfeed you! There are many shops, parks, and markets within easy walking distance of the hotel and institution. Unfortunately, at this institution, the disabled adult men are lumped in with the little boys. Max needs out now! He has amazing potential with a family!
From a family that met him 11/15:
“Mathis” (he will be 3 years old in winter) also has delayed speech and mental delay. He did not use any words while we were there. He cannot sit, crawl, stand, or walk. We did not see him move about the floor, he needed to be held. This is frustrating for him. We did not observe him using his hands. I tried to place toys in his hands a he did not grab them. He did not laugh or smile.
Boy, born 2008: mental delays
From a family who met her in January 2014: Maia is a sweet little girl. She was able to follow orders and do everything that her teacher asked her to do. She doesn’t speak but giggled a lot and made some noises. Her doctor said that while she was unsure if Maia would speak, she felt the prognosis was good. Her eyes are crossed. Vision and hearing are otherwise fine. Maia has mental delays and would benefit from focused attention and education. Maia is lively and active and ready for a family who is ready to play!
