Other Special Needs Boys, 10+

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Malachi is a very happy, friendly, active child! He loves to play with the other children in his home, jump on the trampoline, ride his bike, and listen to music. Malachi is blind, but has good awareness of his surroundings in familiar settings. Malachi is independent in all his daily living skills. He attended a local school for the blind until class five and is now homeschooled. He is very motivated to learn new skills and new information – one of his favorite activities is listening to the news on the radio. Malachi reads braille and is currently at around a 3rd/4th grade level. He says his favorite subjects in school are math and social studies. Malachi speaks Telugu fluently and English conversationally. In English he can communicate basic needs and sentences and he is continuing to learn more words every day!

Malachi enjoys playing independently as well as in groups of his peers. His favorite activities revolve around music, including learning new songs and playing the piano. Malachi has an ear for notes and can listen to a song and figure out the melody on the piano, without any instruction. Within a few days of starting on the piano he had figured out to play “Happy Birthday” and “Jingle Bells” just by listening to the songs. He has expressed interest in piano lessons as well as learning other instruments.

Malachi is a very sweet and spirited child who has formed healthy attachments with his current caregivers. He has a close relationship with a few of the other boys in his home and enjoys including everyone, regardless of ability, into his play. Malachi is finding his sense of humor and likes to try out different jokes and funny sounds to make others around him laugh. He is a very bright child who would do incredibly well in a family!

Update Jan 2015: Quint is an adorable little guy. He appears to have cerebral palsy and possible other delays. He can sit up on his own and scoots all over the place. Quint can stand unassisted and has recently started walking on his own. He is very proud of this new skill and practices it often, although scooting is still his primary choice. Quint tends to grab at anything he is close to, whether this is a toy, grass or someone else’s clothing. He will hold on tight, and sometimes put the object he finds in his mouth. Quint currently has trouble making eye contact, but he still loves to interact and play. He is non-verbal, but can often be heard making loud noises as he plays, by himself or with others. These noises are sometimes an expression of frustration and sometimes indicate joy. Quint loves to be tickled and get kisses!

Update Feb 2018: Quint has become quite mobile and is very steady walking, sometimes even trying to run. He hasn’t figured out the pedals, but loves to scoot around on his tricycle. While he still puts everything in his mouth, he does know the difference between food and other things and will always take it back out if it’s not food. He is learning to feed himself and does pretty well with a fork and is getting better with a spoon. He also holds his own sippy cup. We have been working on using the toilet and he still urinated mostly in his diaper but has many bowel movements on the toilet. His problems with making eye contact have greatly improved and he has been able to make some strong connections and attachments. He loves to cuddle and hold hands. One thing he struggles with is sleeping through the night, which has gotten a little better since he started taking melatonin but he’s still a pretty early riser!

From a family who met him Nov 2018: Quincey is one of the most darling, endearing boys we have ever met. He is pure joy and just exudes love and affection. His little giggle is contagious. He begged us to take him home to America- he so desperately wants a family. He loves to show off how he can get into his wheelchair (which he calls his car!) himself and beams with pride. He speaks well, is very bright, and will flourish in a family.

He is so sweet, always look happy and friendly.

Joe has a ready smile, he watches what his caregivers are doing and gets their attention by shaking his head and wiggle his upper body. Perhaps because of his body, he prefers to have motion of upper body, shake head, wiggle body and roll over to one side etc. At 10 months old, he could sit alone, say ba and ma, liked colorful toys; he liked to be close to others. He communicates with others with his eyes and has sweet smiles.

Alec is a beautiful darling little boy.

Alec was born with one missing eye, a condition typically corrected with a prosthetic eye. He has good vision in his one eye and does not appear to have hearing loss. Alec has developmental delays that may be due to brain damage or brain malformation, in addition to lack of stimulation in his first year of life. Alec was in the care of An Orphan’s Wish for over a year and then was transferred to Little Flower. In the care of these loving organizations he has made some progress in his physical strength and development, but he is still severely delayed.

Alec can sit up and can make eye contact, but he is not interested in toys. Alec loves being held and responds to tickles and cuddles. He currently does not attempt to communicate verbally but he laughs and coos. Alec also has feeding issues.

Alec needs the unconditional love of a family devoted to give him access to all the therapies and early intervention services that he needs to reach his full potential. These services are not available for him in China. He needs to come home to a family who will see the value of this little boy and shower him with the love that he deserves.

Legend is a great little boy who loves to listen to sounds and music! He is drawn to toys with sounds and exciting noises and will give you the biggest smile when he has one! Legend is shy but active and is able to crawl on his hands and knees. Legend has cerebral dysplasia but he’s not letting that get him down! Legend will continue to grow and thrive in his forever home!

Lew does not speak much yet. He can make “Yiyi-yaya” sounds and point to the objects he wants. He can express himself with other ways. For example, if someone took his ball, he will make “yiyi-yaya” sound to caregivers and pointed to the ball and ask the caregivers to get it back. When you get it back for him, he will laugh to you He can stand up without any help, he can walk alone (al little waddled) and walk hand in hand with other kids. He can pick up a very small object from the ground. He can hold a ball and raise it up and throw it out, then pick it up and repeat. He is a little bit shy and can be very cautious with strangers. He is very open and happen when he is with caregivers and kids he is familiar with.

What a little love! Another one who is so young and will greatly benefit from therapy and a family. Someone scoop him up!

Bert has cerebral palsy; we don’t have any detailed information

NEW VIDEO!! A new video of Bert!!! He looks to still be in the baby house. He needs a family NOW! He is so adorable! Shareable video link: https://youtu.be/ZlnVHrFiH8k

Bert’s younger brother has been adopted domestically.

Please note, there is limited information on all children. Some children may have FAS, Autism, RAD or other institutional behaviors NOT diagnosed or disclosed.

Updated pic 2019; Wilson has lost the ability to stand and walk.

Wilson is a sweet, happy, playful boy. He is great with little kids and bigger kids. He loves to play legos, color, watch tv, go to the beach and just be with those who care for him. He spent one summer and winter break with a host family, he bonded well with them. He is affectionate and makes good eye contact.

He has a progressive form of Muscular Dystrophy. He can no longer stand, walk or crawl. He can still sit upright by himself. He does require help dressing, bathing and some help with eating. He is toilet trained but needs help to get to the toilet. He longs to belong and be given love and attention. He adapts well to new adventures, people and places. He will be a blessing to any family.

From a missionary who knows him: I loved this boy. He really enjoyed attention and affection. He just giggled and giggled. He liked getting high fives and having his belly and head rubbed. Even when I walked to the other side of the room he was still giggling and waving. He has so much joy for someone stuck in a crib all day. He needs a family to reach his potential!

This handsome young man, with dark hair and dark eyes, was born with a rare genetic condition called Stickler Syndrome. His medical records also indicate microcephaly, a common symptom of SS.

Update May 2016: Jared has been transferred a while ago from his baby orphanage.

Individuals with Stickler syndrome experience a range of signs and symptoms. Some people have no signs and symptoms; others have some or all of the features described below. In addition, each feature of this syndrome may vary from subtle to severe.

A characteristic feature of Stickler syndrome is a somewhat flattened facial appearance. This is caused by underdeveloped bones in the middle of the face, including the cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. A particular group of physical features, called the Pierre Robin sequence, is common in children with Stickler syndrome. Robin sequence includes a U-shaped or sometimes V-shaped cleft palate (an opening in the roof of the mouth) with a tongue that is too large for the space formed by the small lower jaw. Children with a cleft palate are also prone to ear infections and occasionally swallowing difficulties.

Many people with Stickler syndrome are very nearsighted (described as having high myopia) because of the shape of the eye. People with eye involvement are prone to increased pressure within the eye (ocular hypertension) which could lead to glaucoma and tearing or detachment of the light-sensitive retina of the eye (retinal detachment). Cataract may also present as an ocular complication associated with Stickler’s Syndrome. The jelly-like substance within the eye (the vitreous humour) has a distinctive appearance in the types of Stickler syndrome associated with the COL2A1 and COL11A1 genes. As a result regular appointments to a specialist ophthalmologist are advised. The type of Stickler syndrome associated with the COL11A2 gene does not affect the eye.

People with this syndrome have problems that affect things other than the eyes and ears. Arthritis, abnormality to ends of long bones, vertebrae abnormality, curvature of the spine, scoliosis, joint pain, and double jointedness are all problems that can occur in the bones and joints. Physical characteristics of people with Stickler can include flat cheeks, flat nasal bridge, small upper jaw, pronounced upper lip groove, small lower jaw, and palate abnormalities, these tend to lessen with age and normal growth and palate abnormalities can be treated with routine surgery.

Another sign of Stickler syndrome is mild to severe hearing loss that, for some people, may be progressive (see hearing loss with craniofacial syndromes). The joints of affected children and young adults may be very flexible (hypermobile). Arthritis often appears at an early age and worsens as a person gets older. Learning difficulties, not intelligence, can also occur because of hearing and sight impairments if the school is not informed and the student is not assisted within the learning environment.

Stickler syndrome is thought to be associated with an increased incidence of mitral valve prolapse of the heart, although no definitive research supports this.

Seth and Victor are brothers currently residing together in a foster home. Seth has a moderate mental and physical delay but is otherwise clinically healthy. Victor has hypothyroidism but is otherwise healthy and not delayed.

He has many health issues due to he was together with his birth parents for many years until their death, and they were vagabonding. Due to that he cannot talk, just making sounds. However, he has a good memory and understands everything very well.

Approximately 3 years ago he broke his leg, and he did not get any medical care, therefore it did not grow together correctly. He could not walk, just crawled. Now he is dragging a leg.

Wylie has a handsome boy who is facing transfer soon.

From a family who visited him in 2015: He is calm when being walked around but becomes over stimulated easily. He is getting close to being transferred and this will be terrible for him. In the baby house the caregivers have more time to spend with him. In an institution I can see him just being constantly sedated… This handsome little guy needs out now!

From a family who met him in 2014:  Wylie is a sweet boy, and obviously loved by the nannies. They often stooped down to talk to him, and walked hand in hand with him. He walked constantly, clapping his hands and smiling. He exhibited what I would describe as autistic tendencies. I don’t recall ever hearing him speak. One day he wondered out of his groupa (apparently the door wasn’t latched) into the common area we were visiting out son in. My husband took his hand and led him back. He has a special place in our hearts and we pray someone will see him and choose him. I would be glad to talk to anyone interested. He is precious. He’s at a great baby house, that is very pro-adoption, and in a faster region than most.

*** 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 and be prepared for the challenges that can come with this condition. You can learn more about FAS here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome and post to our Facebook group to ask other adoptive parents about the challenges and blessings of children with FAS. ***

Sawyer is able to move around the room by scooting on his bottom. He can talk in sentences, but his articulation is not always clear. He plays with toys, responds when spoken to, follows simple directions, and assists with self-help tasks such as dressing/undressing.
Photo and videos from March 2016 are available through the agency.

Update below, April 2019:

Sawyer has spent his entire life in a large orphanage, where his experiences and interactions have been limited. He’s been attending school and working with a speech therapist for the past 2 years and this has resulted in an increase in all skill areas. Sawyer can talk in simple sentences and answer questions. His articulation is poor, but he’s made improvements with the help of a speech therapist. He can count to 10, identify his body parts, and answer basic questions such as his name and age. He demonstrates imaginative play with toys. His motor skills are delayed due to his diagnosis. He uses a wheelchair for mobility and will also scoot around the room on his bottom. He can feed himself. He can take his shoes and socks off independently. He is described as very social. He works hard during academic instruction. He enjoys interacting with both peers and adults. It is believed that his cognitive delays are due to the environment he has lived in and lack of exposure.

Update July 2020: Breckin is such a fun kid who loves hugs and one on one interaction. If you go in for a hug, be ready to stay awhile because he will want to hold you there. He can currently hold his own bottle to drink on his own. He is spending more time in a walker in therapy. He needs encouragement in it, but is getting better. He will walk with you with support for a little ways as well. With more intense therapy, he would really excel in this area. He loves it when his caregivers sing his favorite songs. He really likes hymns as well as the Goodnight Song sung in his house.

Update Jan 2015: Breckin has cerebral palsy, but he can sit up and stand with assistance. He can even take a few steps if you hold onto his hands. He has been receiving regular therapy and loves this time. Breckin is making great improvements – he now has a modified crawl that he uses to get all around his house and can quickly move to wherever he wants to be. He can also pull himself up to stand and does this often. Breckin does not yet feed himself, but he has practiced holding his own spoon and sippy cup and has made great progress. Breckin is a happy little guy who loves to play.

Brothers – they need to be adopted together!

They are said to be “very good boys”!

Hunter, the oldest, was born in March 2004:  Hyperkinetic disorders/Hyperkinetic conduct disorder; Nonorganic sleep disorder/Emotional sleep disorder; Benign intracranial hypertension; Other specified diseases of gallbladder; Flat foot.  Due to his age, he is now adoptable only with his younger brothers.

Hunter likes to eat a lot. He and his brother Forest have a lot of energy. He really likes to do arts and crafts and play games. Most of the time he has a very sweet disposition. He is very keen to interact with adults. That being said if an adult is too rough with him things will start to escalate. If an adult tries to swat at him or restrain him in someway he may attempt to bite. Hunter can speak pretty well but he can’t always communicate what’s going on with his emotions. Hunter responds best to strong male figures. An attentive dad is key to a positive adoption for him. He is in grade 4 here but he can’t read, write, do math, or anything like that right now. He is schooled by himself and school mostly consists of arts and crafts. He is not unintelligent but very delayed. He likes soccer. He would be great in an attentive family where he and his brothers will get much attention and where they will be by far the youngest children. I would adopt him myself if I could be as focused on him and his brothers as he needs a dad and mom to be and if we had the space for them along with our current 3. He enjoys picking fruit and cleaning in the orphanage. He is never been far from the orphanage and he is interested in coming to America. He has communicated that he really wants to come to America and really wants a papa.

Forest, the middle boy, was born in Aug 2006:
Mild mental delays; speech disorder

Forest likes to eat a lot. He does school the same way his brother Hunter does. He is considered to be in the second grade. Very sweet but also very active. Like his older brother, he needs to need a lot of attention to keep him from unintended harm. He likes to be outside. He has minor institutional self harming tendencies like scratching himself to leave marks. He does not do that a lot though. Forest loves to give hugs and kisses and hold hands with the adults.

Ridge, the youngest brother was born in Aug 2008
Stenosis of pulmonary artery; currently he does not require surgery. Tuberculin skin test – positive?

Ridge likes to clean. He was mopping the floor with an adult sized mop as I wrote this. He is a very small but sweet boy. He’s a very peaceful and charming child. He is not in school yet but he seems to be the most intellectual of his brothers. He will likely do better in school then his brothers when he gets the chance. He is so cute it is hard to imagine him spending another day without a family. When the boys orphanage shuts down Ridge will be separated from his brothers for several months because he is not old enough to go with his older brothers. I expect this will be a very traumatic time for him, so if a family could come for him as soon as possible that would be best. No family should hesitate to adopt these children as long as they are available to give the time and attention that these children deserve. If that is done the children will flourish.

From someone who met Brody in 2011 and Auggie in 2012:  Brody and Auggie are sweet little boys who appear to have some sort of genetic disorder that causes developmental delays and self-harming behaviors. They are not aggressive towards others, only towards themselves, and these behaviors can be halted temporarily by picking either boy up and spinning him around. Brody is able to walk, and can drink from a cup without help. He is not quite able to feed himself, but is willing to try. Auggie was in a laying room for over a year, but after only 3 months of physical therapy is now sitting independently and working on learning to stand. Both boys have wonderful, heart stealing smiles. Brody appears to be in his own world much of the time, and loves things that crinkle or light up, and things shaped like sticks, as well as hands, gloves, feet and socks. He shows numerous signs of autism, which may or may not be environmental. Auggie loves things that crinkle or light up, slinkies, music, and tv. He is more interactive than Brody, and appears to lift his arms up to indicate he would like to be held. This is the only form of communication I observed from either of the boys. The boys are currently living in separate orphanages. I pray a family will reunite these brothers together in one family, where they can receive all the love and attention they need to meet their full potential!

We hope a family will consider adopting them TOGETHER.

More pictures available.

So so sweet!! New pic December 2016.

Twin boys: Updated pictures and medical info April 2015

Clayton — Cerebral palsy. taking anticonvulsant therapy

His twin brother, Caleb, passed away in 2017

From someone who met them in 2013:
(Brother 1) He is in with a much younger groupa. He goes outside twice daily when it is nice, and this orphanage does physical therapy five times a week. He makes eye contact, but is in his own little world until you talk directly to him. He appears kind of zoned out, and then I said his name and stroked his cheek and his whole body came to life, just longing to be touched and tickled. He arched his back and smiled, but I wasn’t allowed to pick him up. He has grown too long for his stroller. I put a velcro wrist rattle on him and he purposefully moved his left arm to interact with it immediately. He is well nourished there, but he will really need a mama’s touch to help him grow. His teeth look like they are in great shape. He uses his arms, but I did not see him move his legs, though he was certainly wiggling from one side to the other and is a kid who would really like to be on the move! He is not in the same groupa as his brother. Kids are generally grouped by what they are eating, and his brother was in the groupa for kids doing formula and purees. I think he may be on only formula still. It was so hard to leave him behind!

(Brother 2) Several days later, I saw who I thought was the same child in a different stroller, but the nannies corrected me when I called him by his brothers name, slowly communicating that this was his twin brother. They look SO much alike! The first day I saw him, he was badly in need of a diaper change and I showed the nannies. He was laying flat on his back in the outdoor playpen, and when I came back to return my daughter to the groupa, he was still there an hour later, unchanged in diaper and position. The next day I saw him, though, one of the sweet nannies was playing music on her ipod, and he was laying close to her in a stroller. Although he didn’t interact with the music, he was very quick to respond to my voice. The second I stopped talking, he stopped smiling and zoned out again. But, he was so responsive to touch and baby talk! He pushed his body around in the stroller with his legs AND arms, and had a lot of good neck strength. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he is only being limited by the assumptions of his diagnosis. As we left our daughter’s groupa for the last time, we saw him being lovingly carried down to his physical therapy appointment. I think it was a sign of good things to come for these boys!

Neither boy is using meaningful speech, though both babble. Videos available. Wonderful region to adopt from, especially if one parent needs to stay alone for a time.

Sibling set! These 3 MUST be adopted together!

 

January 2017: Easton has been institutionalized. He is hungry, retrained, and miserable. Please help us find his family!

From a family who met him in March 2014: Easton is an incredibly cheerful little boy. The nannies told us that he is smart and talks with them, though we were also told that he is delayed. In fairness, Easton spends almost all of his time in a crib. He would either be sitting or laying when we saw him.

Easton always seemed to be very aware of what was happening around him. One day when a nanny was getting our son ready for his visit, we did a little dance behind her and Easton laughed. He would often smile brighter when we would wave at him across the room while picking up our son on our visits. I believe Easton would flourish in his own family.

Casey, the younger girl was born in 2008 and has no SNs, just some kind of development delay. She is smart and active, participate in all orphanage performances. She has now been transferred.

Her older sister, Lynn, was transferred from her orphanage due to her age. She was born in 2006. By orphanage social worker her older sister is VERY smart and beautiful, no SNs, very active in all performances. She has now been transferred again.

Both girls need a family asap!!!  These 2 siblings are to be adopted together for sure.

They also have an older brother born in 2004. He is in the special school orphanage and has severe mental delays.  Elliot will only be adoptable with his sisters.

If a family decides to adopt all 3 children it will be great! If they want only two younger siblings they are to be approved for 3 children and to get referral to meet ALL 3 siblings. Then if they decide not to adopt the oldest one we will do the best to “separate” them. I think it is possible, but we cannot guarantee it for sure.  They have a younger brother as well, and he has already been adopted.

 

Emerson has waited SO long.  Emerson is such a handsome and active boy with an awesome smile! He needs a family! Emerson is growing up so fast! He is so tall now! He is a sweet, blonde haired, blue eyed boy waiting for his forever family. He is quite self sufficient and a happy child.

Info from a family that met him 10/15:  He has a lot of energy, but he listens well to the nannies. They often reminded him to behave in passing – though it was more of a reminder that they were watching than because he was acting up. He interacts well with other children though he did not engage me (adult) very much. He is delayed, but has potential in a family. Super cute. He needs a family, there is so much hope and potential for him that he will not get in an orphanage. He would do well with older children to set an example.

Anthony is a happy 10-year-old boy who spreads joy wherever he goes! He has a love for any kind of music, but his favorite song is “You Are My Sunshine.” The truth is that Anthony is a ray of sunshine in the lives of those around him. Anthony gets so excited when his caretakers sing to him. It is a blessing to see the delight on his face!

Although he does require some assistance with daily tasks, Anthony is strong and determined. Anthony’s caregivers believe that with continued therapy, he will be able to do many more things on his own. He is learning through a sensory-based curriculum at school. His teachers report that he is making great progress on his communication skills and it is evident that Anthony will continue to improve in all of his abilities with the extra love and care of a forever family. Could you give Anthony all the love he deserves to help him thrive in life?

Update Feb 2021:  Anthony has been living at the children’s home since he was a year old. He is a smart and caring boy. Access to quality medical care to assess the severity of his disabilities would be extremely beneficial. Anthony does require support with daily cares and accessing education. However, the growth he has experienced at the children’s home has been nothing short of miraculous. Anthony loves music and physical touch. Although he uses a wheelchair his favorite place to be is on the floor; where he can move around and explore his environment. His smile brightens even the darkest of days and his tenacity and determination are inspiring to all. The best days are ones where Anthony is laughing out loud. Anthony longs to be with a family who will love him for who he is. He would bring unending joy to them and the growth he experiencing would increase 10-fold in the care of a forever family.

Look at the curls on this doll! Cameron is in urgent need of medical care!!

updated pics/video! August 2016

He will be transferred to a handicapped children orphanage with no big chance to survive there. It may happen at the begining of 2017. He needs a family ASAP. He is very good and friendly child.

He has a good potential but no chance for any development in the orphanage. They will place him into the orphanage for handicapped children in a village with no chance for normal life.

His sister was adopted domestically a while ago. Please, help to place him in a loving family!

From a family who adopted in 2016: I did not personally meet him, but he was in my son’s institution when we were there just two months ago. The village where this institution is located is small and very safe. The hotel has modern amenities and is owned by an English speaking local who will take very good care of you and feed you very well! The locals are friendly and helpful to Americans. The institution is a quick and easy walk from the hotel. We were the second family to ever adopt from this institution and the judge in this region waived the ten day wait for both of us. I would be more than happy to talk to those interested in adopting from this institution. We had an excellent experience here!

He is a nice, smart boy

Chase is a handsome Roma boy with dark hair, olive skin and giant brown eyes. He needs a loving family of his own to bring him out of his shell and to finally feel comfortable and safe.

From his medical records: obvious mental delay, poor understanding, almost does not speak, nervous, not even-tempered.

He cannot sit or stand.

Total of 6 siblings: the other 4 siblings are 14 (a boy), 12 (a girl), 10 (a girl) and 8 (a boy). The older 4 have been to the US for hosting.

Update from someone who knows them very well: We have known them for over 4 years and visited their orphanage over 20 times.  They have autism and are non-verbal and at this time.  They were just transferred to an adult institution right after their seventh birthday.  The boys are one to one and arms length for bolting and mouthing; both at this time are not toilet trained and are on medication to assist with hyperactivity and self injurious behaviors.  Both boys are extraordinarily special to me, however, they must go to a family prepared for all of their needs.  They are not deaf.

Griffin can walk with help, understands simple instructions, can say separate words.

Updated pic from summer 2019, he is being hosted in the US! Griffin is extremely sweet and affectionate. He shows a lot of intelligence and is very resourceful. He was understanding and speaking some English in the two weeks he was with us. He can walk and run, but would absolutely thrive with orthotics and physical therapy. He also managed stairs well, as long as there is a railing. His favorite things to do are swim (needs a life vest), jump on the trampoline, and listen to music. Oh, and eat, of course!

From two of the families that hosted him, we believe he would do best as the youngest and smallest child or as an only child. There was some aggression and anger in certain situations. We also believe there should be no animals in the home. Or caution with line of sight supervision.

He has mixed maturity and typically fell between 2-4 yrs old behaviorally and emotionally. Sometimes older, often younger. He completely deserves to be babied and spoiled and loved on. He would absolutely thrive and blow expectations out of the water.

He has little sight, but he is a very friendly and happy boy!