Aging Out Children

Austyn is a miracle-in-the-making. He is significantly developmentally delayed in all areas. As he was previously in an institutionalized setting, he has made tremendous strides since arriving at the New Day Foster Home. Many have been praying for this special young boy and cheering for him. Recently, his adoption file has been completed in country, and he can now be officially matched with his forever family.

Austyn is introverted, has a ready smile, likes music, likes snuggling and is full of energy. A special education teacher at New Day provided an extensive report describing his delays, which is available for prospective adoptive families. These delays include limited mobility, non-verbal communication and in the past he had experienced trouble chewing and swallowing food, but is now able. He is progressing in mobility and is able to walk unassisted for short periods of time although prefers to have something to hold on to. Austyn also has low vision, which is associated with the condition of albinism, but he does see and recognize things. Austyn is attached to his main caregivers and benefits from predictability and routine. He is hypersensitive to most sensory experiences and exhibits many self-stimulation behaviors when he is over stimulated (relaxing and gentle music can help him calm). Austyn is attending preschool each afternoon for an hour and 15 minutes. For most activities Austyn has a helper that works one-on-one with him.

According to the special education teacher, “With the consistency of a loving family and a team of educators and therapists, Austyn will continue to make progress in all areas of his development.”

For more information on Austyn, see blog entries here: http://newdayfosterhome.blogspot.com/search/label/Austyn

Artie was found abandoned at the hospital when he was almost 10 months old. He is listed as having a mental developmental delay, but his report also states that he is a lovely and smart child. Artie was 4 ½ at the last report and could count to 10, imitate drawing circles and lines and recite and sing poems and nursery rhymes. His language is noted to be delayed, but he is an outgoing little boy who gets along with other children and loves to be cuddled.

He loves all activity involving water and thus, loves the summertime. How wonderful it would be for Artie to have a water loving family who could take him swimming next summer!

Andersen is 6 years old and the life of the party. He had surgery when he was very young because he had CHD. Since then, he has been feeling better! Andersen is able to play with friends and loves to dance and sing. He is very smart and loves to ask questions. He is a great eater and his favorite food is sweet fruit. Andersen’s caregivers say that he is a typical boy that loves anything with wheels!

From an adoption advocate who met him summer 2013:
I met this 6 year old boy with CHD. This little guy had so much energy and was ALL BOY running around and playing and showing off for us. I was alone in a stairwell with him and nearly fainted when he jumped from the halfway point on a flight of stairs to beat me to the bottom! I tried to scold him but he gave me one of those smiles that led me to believe he was gonna do it again on the next flight…yep… This little guy is so full of life and just adorable!!! I imagine he keeps his foster mother on her toes! He was very curious about us and followed us all over the orphanage building.

Because Teagan has Down syndrome, his physical development, intelligence and mental development developed slowly and was delayed compared to kids of similar age obviously, especially motion and flexibility of his limbs were slightly poorer. In recent years, with the efforts of this institute and foster parents, he can stand by holding onto objects, walk slowly. Now according to his growth foster parents offered him speech rehabilitative and limb training every day.

Teagan is shy, has a ready smile, likes to listen to music very much. When music plays all of his attention is attracted. When being glad he will swing his body following the musical rhythms. He likes to play toys very much, in particular toy cars are his favorite toys. We hope that he who is shy could become more and more active.

UPDATE 2013:
Teagan can sit, can understand simple language. His life is regular, has 3 meals per day, has dinners and goes to bed on time. Every day he tells stories, plays games and has outdoor activity under the guide of the foster parents.

Full social history and medical records available. Single moms permitted, only one parent has to travel.

Amelia likes to dance, listen to stories, read picture books, and play hide-and-seek. She came into care around 8 months of age and was sponsored by Half the Sky Foundation’s nurturing program for infants. At 9 months, she could sit steadily alone for a few minutes, grab her feet with her hands, and hold her hands up to be held. At one year of age, she could hold toys and stand when leaning on objects. She enjoyed sitting and rocking on the wooden horse. At 15 months, she was more outgoing and could stand for a long time when holding onto a support. She could grasp toys nearby and she could walk slowly with assistance. When it was time to take a nap, she would shake her head “no.” She could pick up objects with her thumb and index fingers.

Her condition became more serious in 2009, and we hope to see her come home soon so that she can receive the best medical treatment for her condition. Her caregivers exercise her daily to improve her symptoms, and say that “she has already taken the first step in life and will do better in the future.”

Alexa is listed as having a history of CHD (less of mitral regurgitation in systole, no others abnormal flow) and CP. Alexa is described as a fairly quiet girl with a sweet disposition. She enjoys listening to music and reading picture books. In the company of strangers Alexa will smile shyly, but when surrounded by those she knows she is said to play with her whole heart! Alexa enjoys outdoor activities and watching cartoons. Alexa’s gait is affected by her CP, but she is able to walk, climb, etc independently. She does need some assistance with eating because she has a hard time controlling her hands. Her language development is normal. She can understand everything, follow directions, and can use her words to communicate with others. She is described as a favorable child.

Aleah receives education in the special class in the orphanage. In the class, she can follow the class rules, has fairly good cognition capability and acceptance. Because she has difficulty controlling her hand muscle, she can’t hold a pen well. She can finish the homework well. If given a picture, she can color according to the requirements and also can draw the regular lines. Usually she likes to watch other children playing quietly or watch TV. She is quiet and smart and never has any problems.

Julia was born with Down syndrome and was abandoned when she was only three months old. Julia is learning to read, write and count, and her speech is well developed. Julia is a performer and loves to dance and sing! She is potty-trained and likes to help take care of younger children. She is small for her age, which is common for children with DS. She was just precious. She recited a poem for us along with hand gestures, which we captured on video.

Jordy is an outgoing boy who was abandoned when he was 18 months old. Jordy lives in a foster family who report that he is always in a good mood. He takes the bus to school, feeds and dresses himself, and goes to the bathroom on his own. Due to his poor vision, his intellectual development is behind his peers but he goes to school, can sing and recite poems, teaches his younger foster brother to count, and loves when the teacher reads a story. He likes to play outdoors on the playground where he enjoys the swings, seesaw, slide and sandbox. Can Jordy be your son?

UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2015: “A friend and I met her in September. She has a syndrome of some sort with a facial deformity and extra fingers and toes (6 on each). It doesn’t appear to affect her beyond the visual standpoint. Her hearing and vision are normal. She attends a public special education school where she is in the 3rd grade. Her favorite subject is art. Aspen loves vegetables, but is allergic to seafood. She loves to jump rope and play with balls. Her favorite color is pink. The orphanage staff described her as shy, kind, friendly to other children, helpful, and obedient. She likes to play with others and is very kind to everyone. Jinger speaks clearly and can communicate just fine, though she was very shy and scared when she first met us. By the time we left, she was more comfortable and full of smiles. She enjoys singing, dancing, playing outside, and helping the nannies. Jinger is a lovely and active girl. She likes listening to music and happy tone could make her happy.

She likes to play house and could imitate putting on clothes for the dolls, feeding and dressing the dolls. She is a girl who likes beauty. She is happy when praised as a beautiful girl. Jinger likes playing games with other children. Sometimes she would help the others to put on socks or shoes. The others are happy to play with her. Jinger is polite and would greet initially with the smile on her face.

Except hyperdactylia (of left hand and left foot) and abnormity of the head she seldom gets sick except occasional cold, but she could recover soon after treatment. She is considerate and we hope that she could blossom like a flower and be happy every day.”

Jiminy is a sweet boy who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome. He is a very independent little boy who is doing well. Sometimes he will need to be reminded to go potty but other than that he can do everything all by himself! Jiminy can run, jump, go up and down stairs, and he likes to pinch things. Jimmy loves to eat! His favorite foods are rice, noodles, and fruits. He is now in kindergarten where he is active and outgoing. Jiminy can understand what people say but he does not know how to use big words. Jiminy can usually use words like, ba, ma, hao, yao etc. Jiminy lives with a foster family who lets him listen to lots of music. He loves trying to sing along!

Jennifer is a sweet girl who loves to dress up; when her foster father brought her to the orphanage she was wearing a jacket with flowers on it, and looked like a little princess! He said she often secretly admires herself in the mirror. She loved posing for the camera and didn’t need any instruction – she knew exactly what to do! Her foster family reports that she can make sounds while lying down, but cannot once she is standing, as if something is blocking her throat. Jennifer has a good appetite and isn’t a picky eater, though she especially likes candy! She is diagnosed with delays in motor skills and language, but her latest developmental information is outdated; as of two years ago she could walk, but not run or jump with both feet. She was only calling out simple words, but had good understanding. She plays well with other children and never fights. She especially enjoys music, and whenever she hears a song she sways to the rhythm.

Huey was found at the newborn department of the hospital when he was 2 ½ weeks old. He was diagnosed as low birth weight and HIE (hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy) with a cerebral hemorrhage on the right side. He has normal intellectual and body development, but currently he does show delayed language skills.

Huey is shy, compliant and quiet. He loves when someone plays with him and always laughs when playing with others. He can move his body to music and wave his little hands. He enjoys when others clap for him. Just think of the joy he would have with a supportive family clapping and cheering him on!

Hayden is a favorite of his nannies, and very loved! He was born with Down syndrome, and previously diagnosed with a heart condition that appears to have healed on its own. Hayden knows simple words, and can combine them to communicate his needs. He’s considered a leader of the other kids in his class; he follows directions well and wants the other kids to do the same. He’s a pleasant, easy going child, and nannies say he is very affectionate. Hayden can go up and down stairs on his own, and put on his clothes and shoes himself.

Halden really loves car toys that make sounds. Every time he picks out a toy, he will first take a big car, run wildly all around the room, and laugh happily! He is able to speak a lot and his ability to take care of himself is very strong. Before he goes to bed, he will take his clothes and neatly fold them in a pile. He will share his toys and food with other children. He is very sensible. When other children feel wronged, he will take the initiative to run to the other children, comfort them and say: “No problem, don’t be afraid!”

In his early education classes, he has completed many craft projects. He can paste simple pictures and color in animal coloring books. After class, he will tidy up his own learning materials. He is also very intelligent and can recite “student rules, three character words” etc., as well as children’s songs.

This little sweetheart is described as active, outgoing, and fairly restless. He gets along well with others in his orphanage but is closest to his caretakers. He loves to sing, play with blocks, and eat apples and eggs! Timmy has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and is noted to have intellectual delays, but just look at that sweet smile! And with all of his energy and personality, he does not seem like the type to back away from the challenges that his diagnosis may bring! There is a video of him waving goodbye and blowing a kiss. Are you the family that will catch his kiss?

Sweet Tobias was found abandoned at the approximate age of six. SIX..can you even imagine? Tobias has only been in the care of this orphanage for about a year and he recently turned seven years old. At the time he came into care, he was not communicating with anyone, was not potty trained, and had trouble dressing and undressing himself. Most likely a part of that had to do with his profound sadness of losing his family at that age. With the help of his caretakers, now he can look at books, use a spoon to eat independently, can tell the teacher when he needs to go to the bathroom, and he can cooperate with people when they help him get dressed. He sometimes likes to play with other children and he is currently receiving language rehabilitation. Tobias was sent to live in a foster family but attends the school in the orphanage during the daytime hours, where he plays games with the other children and the teacher.Tobias is introverted, but has a ready smile. He does not like to communicate with people. He can complete some simple instructions given by the teacher. He has no facial expression or reaction to strangers. A potential family should be open to speech and language delays. It’s hard to know how much of his needs are true needs versus issues from being abandoned at six at this point. What this child needs most is a family who is open to some unknowns and one who will love him unconditionally for who he is and what he can do!

At the age of 3 years: he could sit steadily, sit up from supine position then stand up when holding onto handrails. He could practice horizontally walking quite well while holding onto handrails and even step on one bar. He could take step with one hand held, switch a toy between hands, and pick up small pills with thumbs and index fingers. He could take off clothes with both hands. He could cover his face with clothes and towel to play peekaboo with an adult. He could follow guide to watch the objects an adult points to. He could repeat one motion from adults, take out food from a pocket, understand simple words, and play with other children in the playroom of the kindergarten. He could be cooperative with putting on clothes. He knows the motions of welcoming and goodbye and the game of pinching fingers. When being cuddled by an adult, he could automatically kiss him or her. He could eat all kinds of food. He is shy when being called his name and covers his face with both hands. He likes playing balls, finger game. He is extroverted.

Tripp is a bright boy who likes studying and playing with his classmates. He also likes music and dancing. He is growing up healthy and happy. He is a lovely child!!

Warner is diagnosed with deformity of hands and feet. He has one toe on each foot and one finger on each hand, but he does not let that stop him from doing anything…he’s one amazing and resilient kid!

Warner’s file is outdated, so his current agency is trying to get an update. From his Oct. 2011 file: Warner has good common sense and can sing songs he sees on TV. He takes his quilt and goes to bed when the caretaker tells him to. He can play and eat with his hand holding the toy or bottle just like any other child, even if the toy is small. His intelligence and language development are normal. Warner likes imitating the grown-ups’ behaviors and he is curious about everything. Warner is described as a lovely character and as optimistic. He is an intelligent child who has great ability to learn new things and he is happy to play with others. His favorite thing to do was play in the ball pit. Look at all the things Warner can do! He is not going to let anything get in his way or stop him. Will you be the lucky family who makes Warner your son?

When Winnie was 2 years old she began receiving rehabilitation training to help with her delays. By the age of 4 she could walk with the help of orthopedic shoes, and when she was 5 she had a cleft palate repair from which she recovered well. She was imitating words and her clarity and articulation improved. She was said to be active and very fond of music.

Winnie can now walk freely, dance and sing! She can feed and dress herself, reads poems, understands her teacher’s instructions and likes to communicate and play with her peers. She is described as an outgoing and cute girl who enjoys playing with plush toys.

Additional photos and video available. A specific agency has a grant to cover all of Winnie’s placing agency adoption fees.

Zander is a cutie; he has been going to school inside the orphanage. He has been working hard in physical therapy and has improved his balance significantly. He is able to run and jump now. Zander can hold a pen to draw on the writing board and he can do some fine motor activities, such as beading, holding small objects, etc. Zander can eat food without help and he can put on and take off his shoes independently. He is cooperative with dressing, as he does need some help. Zander’s language and cognition are significantly delayed. He is much more like a 3-4 year old in that aspect. Zander is described by his caretakers as cute and they say he gets along well with the other children in his class. Zander likes to go to class, participate in activities, and play games with other children. Zander needs a loving and supportive family who can give him more direction, encouragement, and services he needs to continue to progress.