
There is a $3,000 agency fee reduction for Edmundo’s adoption via a specific adoption agency.

There is a $3,000 agency fee reduction for Edmundo’s adoption via a specific adoption agency.


The child’s lower and upper limbs are highly spastic and are with diffuse muscle hypotonia. His fine motor skills are not developed. He does not grasp a toy given to him. Atanas holds his hands bent in fists. He is seriously delayed in his psychomotor development. The boy reacts to tactile stimulation by adults. When teased, he does not smile. He is unable to interact with the other children. Atanas depends completely on the care provided by adults. He is fed by a bottle. From time to time he cries when given a shower. He sleeps well.


Bodie responds to his name with a smile, to sounds and noise. He keeps an eye on the movement of people and objects in the room. He is described as a calm and pleasant child. He is well attached to his caregivers and responds well to them. When given attention, he reacts positively and with a smile. Most of the time, the child is energetic and physically active. It is difficult for him to stay in one place, constantly moving and exploring.
The child expresses his joy by erratically clapping his hands and by making noises. When held by the hand he makes several steps. (was previously also listed as Barron).

With a familiar adult, Ethan has a good emotional tone – he enjoys a hide and seek game and sometimes gives his hand for “hello”.
He cannot walk yet, but he sits, crawls and staying straight caught for fixed support, showing progress in his motor skill development. The child has flat feet with valgus deviation of both feet – it was recommended to wear orthopedic shoes. Ethan stands up on his own until he is caught on a fixed support, stands on tiptoe, does not step aside, placed in a walker, moves short distances; pronounces long sound combinations.
A family met Ethan in late 2024 & would be willing to share their experiences with another inquiring family.


Update 2024
Brody was born in 2015 and resides with a foster family. He is a smiley child. He is clinically and medically healthy. Brody has a cochlear implant but despite this, there is no clear evidence of hearing recovery. He vocalizes individual sounds without any meaning or meaning. He uses non-verbal means of communication to satisfy basic needs. He does not have a developed active and passive vocabulary for his age. Lacks developed speech. After the placement of the hearing implant, different-sounding sounds are heard more often, but it cannot be determined whether there is a connection with this. He has been assessed with moderate mental retardation with atypical autism, bilateral hearing
loss, a disorder in receptive and expressive speech, atypical communicative development, and delay in developmental stages.
He looks carefully at those around him. When stimulated, the child reacts, hugs and seeks contact with the foster parent. He smiles when teased, as well as gets angry when a toy he is interested in is taken away. According to information from the foster parent, there are no depressive and aggressive occurrences. He reacts to the absence of the foster parent and looks for her. According to information from the foster parent, the child is active in contacts with significant adults – both close and surrounding. Affectionate and seeking tenderness and attention from them. He takes a man by the hand to show him something he wants. No anxiety is observed when meeting a stranger but does not want to be left with strangers and reacts with grumbling and crying. He likes to be taken care of, smiles at caress and attention from adults. When observed, the boy moves steadily, independently and without assistance. Squats, stands, stretches and contracts arms. Climbing stairs with legs one after another. Handles objects equally with both hands. It is noticed that he walks on his toes. Climbs on chairs and sofas. His movements are chaotic – there is no real judgment of danger
Fine motor skills for the age are not well developed. No stacking of cubes is observed. Holds objects for a short time and throws them. The child does not have skills related to making coordinated movements with his fingers. Tries to play with constructor set but fails to assemble items. Under direct observation, he holds a pencil in his hand but shows no interest in the white sheet. It leaves no traces. With support, he manages to pull a zipper to fasten it. Unsustainable attention and concentration. Difficulty sharing attention. Orients himself in the space of the room, opens the door and wants to go outside. Does not recognize, does not name, does not show parts of his body. It has an orientation to the position of its body in space. Deal with obstacles by removing or bypassing them.
Brody does not use the toys as intended. Interest in the environment is chaotic. During the examination, chaotic play, grasping and scratching of the toys on the ground were observed. Plays with a given toy, but for a short time. According to information, when visiting a children’s corner or park, he prefers the same activities. He does not seek contact with peers, he is more interested in their toys. During observations in an outdoor environment / in a park / the boy walks and runs chaotically, no play activity is observed. Prefers to walk and walk holding hands.
In September 2022, the child was enrolled in the first grade at school, with classes taking place at the Center for Special Educational Support. There were a total of 7 children with different degrees of disability in the class. He was not able to adapt there and for this reason he was admitted to another specialized institution for the child to visit. At the time of preparation of his description to visit the center daily from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There he adapted very well to the new environment. A speech therapist, a psychologist, a rehabilitator and a resource teacher work with the child. Brandon feels very good at the center, interacting with the specialists. Physical therapy – passive and active – was carried out in the center. He did exercises for general strengthening of the body, improvement of independence and improvement of general motor patterns. Work was done on maintaining attention, stimulating fine motor skills and orientation in space, but it was not possible to carry out any educational activity, because of the lack of interest in the educational process. From the information received, he did not communicate with other children in the group, but accepted attention and proximity from the staff there.
Brody lacks developed self-care skills. From the information received from the caregiver, the child does not feed independently but uses a spoon with the support of an adult. He is on a general diet. The child is reported to have a good appetite. Differentiates the taste of food. Shows preferences for certain foods. He likes to eat sweet things. Constant salivation is observed. He is dependent on an adult for dressing and undressing, but according to the caregiver, he is involved and helps with dressing more than before. He undresses himself for sleep and when he needs to go to the bathroom. Brody is reported to be a restful sleeper, sleeping soundly at night and not waking up. The child uses a diaper all day. He cannot control and does not report when a physiological need arises.

Tyson was born premature and had several complications after birth. He can sit on his own with good balanced reactions. He crawls following the correct motor model. He stands up and walks sideways vertically. He can walk when one of his hands is held and has more control when it’s his right hand being held. He can stand up straight without falling for 2-3 seconds. When walking with a walker, he begins to bend his knees. He purposefully grabs a toy that is handed to him and can switch it from hand to hand. He shows an interest in musical toys and enjoys them. He has started making sounds and simply syllables such as “ma-ma”. He enjoys having someone sing to him and likes to receive hugs. He eats from a spoon. His overall development is delayed.
Photos and videos from August 2020 are available through the agency.


Update 2018: Jesse attention span is short-lived and unstable in relation to objects and people. There is some sharing with a close adult. Jesse responds when called by name. His memory and speech are poorly developed. When happy, he laughs loud and when anxious, he cries. Sometimes he pronounces unspecified sounds and separate syllables. He is sensitive and emotional and tends to be nervous around strangers. When given a toy he reaches out and takes it. He is working on the pinch grip. He hasn’t mastered fully the ability to move a toy from one hand to the other. Jesse is fed with a spoon and sleeps calmly through the night. He cannot control his physiological needs. Jesse is entirely cared for by the team in his orphanage.
(Jesse was also previously listed as Andy)


Update from a family that met him in 2015: Paddy is a truly beautiful boy! He does have some behaviors, shrieking and flapping for the majority of the time we observed him. He did not make eye contact with us or the staff. We asked the staff about his medical information and they stated that he did not need regular transfusions, but did have a seizure disorder. A family that is prepared to deal with autistic like behaviors would be ideal!

specific disorders of motor function development, Moderate mental delay, ectopic left kidney, strabismus
Clifton’s gross motor skills are well-developed – he moves around independently, even at long distances, and he has no difficulties walking on different surfaces. He can now run (since the beginning of January 2017). The deficits noted previously in Clifton’s fine motor skills have been compensated to a great extent. He can transfer small elements with a spoon from one bowl into another with an adult’s assistance, he plays with certain materials and toys, he clips and unclips clothes pegs, he looks for an object hidden in the sand and he takes it out with great interest. He holds a pencil and leaves pale traces with it on a sheet of paper. He does great eating with a spoon. Clifton accepts the toothbrush and allows for his teeth to be brushed.
It happens more and more rarely for Clifton to demonstrate anxiety in response to being introduced to unfamiliar places and people. The stereotypic movements he demonstrates when someone initiates interactions with him have decreased significantly. He imitates actions he has observed more often and more successfully than before. Clifton becomes lively and starts dancing whenever someone is singing or plays music.
Clifton is calm in his new foster family, he often smiles and he laughs aloud while playing with an adult (or with the girls in the foster family). He is especially attached to the foster father and the younger daughter in the family. Clifton has become a lot more sociable in the last 6 months: he seeks children’s attention, initiates interactions, accepts unfamiliar people a lot easier, maintains a smaller distance between himself and others and makes eye contact.
Although Clifton has poor passive vocabulary, he follows simple instructions provided that those are accompanied by nonverbal means of communication. His speech development is at the level of producing chains of syllables. He uses “No” appropriately so as to express his disagreement, he sometimes uses “Yes” and “Give me”. Clifton initiates physical and emotional contact with his foster parents and their children as well as with the specialists working with him. He is especially attached to the foster father and the youngest daughter in the foster family. His interactions with other children have changed significantly – he plays with them for a long time and he is making attempts to cooperate with them.
More photos/file are available from his agency

There are some difficulties in attracting and keeping his attention focused. Jonas plays for a longer period of time whenever he is interested in the respective activity. Jonas orientates well in a familiar environment. He distinguishes between day and night based on his everyday routines – sleeping, meal times, rest. He recognizes the neighborhood around the foster family’s home.
Jonas is reported to have achieved noticeable progress in terms of expressing his emotions and feelings, which are becoming more diverse. He reacts appropriately to smiles and angry faces and also to the tone of voice one talks to him with. He demonstrates his love, attachment and attention for others. He greatly enjoys it when others play with him. Jonas has attached to all members of the foster family.

Connor is being raised in one of the biggest orphanages in Bulgaria where children often suffer from severe malnutrition, muscle hypotrophy and have severe delays in the neuropsychological development. He has a polymalformative syndrome, but one could see a dramatic change in his appearance in just two pictures- the first one taken in the end of November 2014 and the second one in June 2015.
He grabs a toy that is handed to him, holds it for a while and manipulates with it. He has started to more and more often reach with his hands and manipulate with hanging toys independently.
While involved in active interactions with adults, he would make his emotional responses known with his nonverbal behavior. He seeks contact with familiar adults by reaching out his hand, grabbing an adult’s hand and he would even sometimes direct an adult’s hand towards his face so as to be caressed.
He falls asleep easily and his sleep is calm. He is fed with a bottle. He gets anxious while his clothes are changed and while bathed.

Although Rocky was born premature and with low birth weight; cerebral palsy; and speech, motor and cognitive delays, he is making good progress in his physical therapy and other supports. He can walk with minimal support, and his fine motor skills are also improving.

When the foster mother leaves the room Teddy would start crying and looking for her.
He likes playing with musical toys and shows excitement when they make sounds. He also looks at and likes some of the TV commercials.
The foster mother feeds Teddy with a spoon and some improvement has been reported, as he is now eating solid food. Teddy loves bananas, biscuits with milk, homemade soups and sops.


His current agency has videos and pictures that can be shared with interested families

*There is an older child that is believed to be Ozzie’s older brother. However, they are NOT listed as needing to be adopted together. The other child is listed as Ollie.


Update Jan 2020:
Julian sits on his own while supporting his weight on his hands. He uses his hands to change his posture and move his body. He stands in the walker. He actively grabs and manipulates toys and objects, tries to use them as intended – shakes to produce sound, pulls the string of a musical toy. Visual-motor coordination is slightly impaired.

When awake, Josiah is mostly calm. He would laugh out loud when jested. During active interactions with adults Josiah pronounces various sounds and random syllables. Josiah follows a specific dietary regime and has food individually prepared for him. He is fed with a spoon by an adult and has a picky appetite. He is calm during dressing and bathing. Josiah’s sleep is calm.


Photos and videos are available.


Photos and videos are available through the agency.




Additional photos available!
VIDEOS (Password: Adoptmaa)
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-kinsley1
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-kinsley02
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-kinsley03
There is a $500 agency fee reduction for Kinsley’s adoption with a specific agency!
Kinsley is eligible for a $10,000 grant with the LPA, as long as the family joins LPA!
Kinsley needs a family with an approved home study to be able to lock her file or submit a letter of intent to adopt her. A family without a home study can look at her redacted file. If you are interested in reviewing Kinsley’s file or in adopting Kinsley, the agency would be happy to assist you.


VIDEOS:
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-lynette
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-lynette2
Password: Adoptmaa
A specific agency has a $1000 grant for her adoption fees.

Jasper has a $3000 agency grant, with a specific agency. Additionally, A Child Waits Foundation is pleased to partner with the agency to provide grants to qualified families for the adoption of a child from Jasper’s country. They have committed to a $2,500 grant for this specific child, to help a family adopt him. These grants are to be used when the family is ready to travel to complete their adoption and can be paid directly to the family, if there is no outstanding balance with the agency. All families in process are welcome to visit achildwaits.org to apply for a grant.

Update Feb 2020: This file is old, so the information is from one year ago. He is verbal. He attends speech therapy. He has some difficulty pronouncing some words. His speech is delayed according to his age. A year ago he was using diapers, but he was telling when he had to get it changed because he felt discomfort. He is very affectionate, very loving, and respectful with adults. He follows norms and rules. He was sometimes pulling the hair of peers at school. The neurologist states he is a child that has progressed a lot since he has been receiving therapies and recommended that he not stop them.
Agency staff met Jais in July 2022: Jais is a cute little guy who is described as calm and loving towards those around him. He expresses his desires easily. Jais is currently attending school and is in the second grade. It has been a process for him to adjust to being with other children. Jais likes music and he dances to the rhythm. He likes to be cuddled and touched, especially by his foster parents. In addition to having Down syndrome, Jais likely also has Autism. Due to his potential autism diagnosis, Jais has a hard time with transitions, changes, and strangers. He loves cars, especially being inside one! His foster parents take him for vacations, and he enjoys going to the beach. He loves being in the car so much, that he doesn’t even mind if he’s in there for hours…so road trips are a go! Jais can say the words, “mom,” “dad,” “water,” “ayyaya” and “hey.” Jais sleeps through the night, but has a special position that he feels most comfortable in. He likes to first fall asleep with his foster mother in her bed and then be taken to his bed. Jais wakes up at 5:30 a.m. and cuddles with his foster parents for a little bit. Jais is a good eater, but oatmeal doesn’t make his stomach feel well. Jais has been living with his current foster family since he was two months old. Jais started walking at four years old and his foster mother is now trying to teach him how to ride a bike. He is now able to chew and swallow.
New Videos!
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1167773189
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1167773289
https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/1167773256
Password: Adoptmaa

Bria may not be able to speak with words, but her actions speak volumes. Her gestures and expressions convey her emotions and needs in a way that her caretakers understand. Her ability to dress herself independently shows her determination and self-sufficiency. Bria may communicate differently than others, but her message is clear: she is capable, strong, and deserving of love.
When faced with unfamiliar faces, Bria can feel overwhelmed and anxious. She may struggle to trust new people. It is important for those around her to be patient and understanding, allowing her the time and space she needs to feel comfortable and secure in new environments. With time and support, Bria may learn to develop stronger social skills. We think she is truly a special person to know!
NEW VIDEOS:
https://vimeo.com/
https://vimeo.com/
https://vimeo.com/
https://vimeo.com/
https://vimeo.com/
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Password: Adoptmaa
Bria has a $2,500 agency grant for her adoption with the agency who listed her; additional agency grants may also be possible.

This sweet boy deserves a loving family who can provide him with care and support as he continues to grow and progress.


Leonard is one of the most clever boys you could ever meet. Although he’s non-verbal in conversations he often sings his favorite songs out loud for everyone to hear. His favorite toys include tennis shoes, books, and anything that spins! He also loves any sort of sensory experience, such as playing in the dirt looking at moving lights, and swinging. Leonard is not difficult to please. He finds joy in all the small moments in life. His favorite days are water days. He could truly sit in the kiddie pools for hours! He loves splashing and experimenting with how the water moves. Leonard is so much fun to play with and be around.
Leonard is gaining more independence everyday. He can eat, walk, and use the bathroom on his own. He has many ways of communicating what he wants using gestures, verbal sounds, and expressions or body language. Leonard is almost never sad or unhappy. His laugh can be heard even in another room, his joy is truly contagious. When he gets to know you Leonard can be very affectionate. He loves to hold hands or lay in your lap. He might also take your hand to show you he wants his head or back rubbed. He knows how to seek out his favorite people, forming clear attachments to those he loves. Leonard would absolutely thrive with the consistency of a forever family who can love him fully and keep him safe always.