Adopting a Child with Down Syndrome

Parents are seeking to adopt children with Down syndrome, according to a February 23 article in the Kansas City Star. Not only are prospective parents eager to adopt children with the chromosomal disorder, they're lining up to do so -- some agencies have waiting lists of 10 to 15 families who'd love to adopt a child with Down syndrome.

In his article, Eric Adler writes that the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati (Ohio) has a waiting list 150 names long of people waiting to adopt children with Down syndrome.

Attitudes about Down syndrome have changed drastically during the past 30 years, when information about the chromosomal disorder was limited and schools, doctors and the community offered little or no help. In those days, many children were relinquished to group foster homes or state institutions, writes Adler.

Today, children with Down syndrome "attend public schools, join sports teams, and graduate from high school," writes Adler. "More adults with Down syndrome live on their own, in group homes, and even marry. They work in the community and live semi-independent lives."

More than 90 percent of those who seek to adopt children with Down syndrome have firsthand experience with DS kids or they are professionals who have cared for children with the disorder. They don't see Down syndrome as a burden, but as a manageable difference.

Some experts estimate that there is a 90 percent abortion rate for Down syndrome babies, because tests can detect the disorder as early as 9 to 11 weeks into a pregnancy. Thus, fewer children are being born with Down syndrome.

Adler writes that parents who adopt children with DS must be committed to dealing with a variety of issues, most commonly, developmental delays. Many children require occupational, physical and speech therapies on an ongoing basis, and children may exhibit the following problems, from mild to servere: congenital heart problems, digestive problems, lung problems, thyroid and immune system problems. Some DS children are susceptible to leukemia. Others develop ear infections that lead to hearing problems and speech delay. Other early problems include weak muscle tone and unstable neck vertebrae.

Any parent who has a child with Down syndrome will tell you that the joy the child brings to your life far outweighs the challenges. My friend and fellow writer, Sheri Plucker, says that her daughter, Hailey, "warms my heart with her contagious smile, laughter and love when she wraps her arms around me and squeezes me tight."

I've had the pleasure of learning about Down syndrome from Sheri and of reading some of her articles, books and children's stories. Many of Sheri's children's stories help normalize Down syndrome by acquainting readers with characters who have Down syndrome. Other stories are written specifically for young children who have Down syndrome. Sheri's stories are delightful and she is a wealth of knowledge about Down syndrome. If you are considering adopting a child with DS and would like to know more about the challenges and rewards, please contact Sheri via her website, www.sheriplucker.com.

Related Post:

Resources for People Adopting a Child with Down Syndrome

For more posts on Down Syndrome check the "Down Syndrome" category in this blog.

For more info about adoption, please visit www.laurachristianson.com and the Exploring Adoption store.

Comments

[Sheri Plucker]

After reading this article about parents lining up to adopt children with Down syndrome I found myself smiling, "People are beginning to notice the impact children with Down syndrome can have on a family."

Yes, challenges come and go just like any other child, but the rewards FAR outweigh the challenges. My daughter battled two open heart surgeries before the age of one, and now can run, jump, and play with the energy level of a normal five year old.

These special children have a gift: To spread happiness. I'm so happy to be a part of this special gift, and thank God for my daughter everyday.

[Michael Foley]

My wife and I have an 11 year old son with Down Syndrom and he is our gift from God. So, since in this day and age it is acceptable to be greedy, my wife and I would love to adopt a little girl with down syndrom so he can have a little sister. He already has 6 brothers and sisters that have grown and are starting families of their own. I am looking for info as to where we might get info on this. Is there someone who can help ?
thanks. ,,Mike

[Laura Christianson]

Michael,
You might try visiting adoption.org. They have a helpful list of links to agencies that specialize in facilitating adoption of children with Down syndrome.

http://www.adoption.org/adopt/down-syndrome-adoption-agencies.php

[Cassandra Fierro]

I have a daughter with Donwn's Syndrome that I cannot keep. I am wanting to find a family for her and don't know where to start. I was searching the web and it seems everyone wants a perfect child, is there anyone who is willing to adopt a child like my daughter Abbigail? Please help me find a good family for her.

[Jamie B]

We are interested in adopting a child with down syndrome. Where should I look?

[Jamie B]

Hi, Because of the way the blogs are laid out I am getting mail asking about the posting that lies below mine. The blue dividing line makes things a little confusing. Thanks J

[nancy manrique]

this is a good website, congratulations! this is a good one & keep up! from nancy!

[melissa cameron]

I have 3 beautiful, healthy, and happy children ages 11,7, and 5- 2 girls and a boy. I have an aunt that was born with Down syndrome and it has affected my life in so many profound ways, She truly is my inspiration and my hero. I have worked with adults and children with Ds for 20 years. And what a joy they truely are! My children would like to have another brother or sister who has Down syndrome and I of course want the same!!! I am on the baord of directors for Down Right Special of Rutland County- we do a buddy walk and many other things to families that have children with Down syndrome. In closing, I just would like to say that we really, really want to adopt a Ds baby. Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Melissa Cameron
222 dorr drive
Rutland, vt 05701
802-775-2424 home
802-345-7734 cell

[Angela]

I had a son with Downs Syndrome born 11 years ago today. He had severe heart defects and passed away at the age of 2 1/2 years. It devestated my life, but I am fortunate to have 2 healthy, beautiful children now. I have been thinking about adopting a downs syndrome child to add to our loving family if anyone is looking.

[Richard Abplanalp]

I would recommend to anyone considering adopting a special child to do your research. This is not an easy task. A DS child can be a real challenge. One disorder I didn't see listed in the article is apnea(sp). In ten years you could probably count the number of times my DS son has slept through the night on one hand. If you have young healthy children you also need to realize an adoption will affect their lives too and should be in on the decision. Find out what kind of help is available where you live. You will need it. Make sure you have a knowledgeable pediatrician or one that is willing to learn. Make sure you have a dentist also. If you can't commit your life(entire life) to this child I would not make the choice. They are not all like the ones you can see acting on TV or working at you local MCDonald's. This post is by no means meant to disourage you. I just want you to be prepared for a differant kind of life.

[Angela]

I wrote a comment a few weeks ago stating that my husband and I were interested in adopting a downs syndrom baby. My heart lept for joy when I got an e-mail from someone who asked if I could adopt her sister's baby boy from Russia who had Downs. But, then I did some checking on all the fees and costs involved, and my excitement faded. I didn't realize how expensive it was!! Imagine all the kids who would have homes if it weren't for the cost! It was terrible to realize that I couldn't help this baby because of the money. Make sure you really check into the cost before you get your hope up on adopting internationally. :(

[Laura Christianson]

Angela,

Don't let the high fees discourage you from pursuing adoption. When adopting a special needs child, you can often get a reduction in fees. State and federal subsidies are also available for people who adopt special needs children. And don't forget the Federal Adoption Tax Credit of $10,000+, which you may be eligible for.

[Kelly]

Our family would like to adopt a baby/child with Downs Syndrome. We have limited money, but much, much love!! Can anyone help?

[Angie]

Hi, we are a couple from Ohio looking to adopt a special needs child. I (Angie)raised my neices for 10 years and have helped them with their special needs. I also have step-son with Autism and ADHD, that comes to visit us as much as we can see him. I am unable to have a child of my own, but love all gods children equally. If there is anyone that may feel our need of a special child please write me @ dastephens04@yahoo.com We are finishing our classes to become foster children as we speak. We will provide our Angel with all lifes amazing gifts.

[Tanya]

Hello from Canada,

I too am interested in adopting a child who has Down Syndrome. I have worked as an Educational Assistant with children with special needs in the schools for over 18 years. I also work with adults with special needs in various group homes. I have raised 4 children 27-17 the youngest was adopted. I feel that we as a family have a lot of love to share with another child.

[Natalie]

Hello, My husband and I are very interested in adopting a little baby that needs a loving home with parents who will dote on him/her for the rest of their lifetime. We have 4 children (ages 4, 11, 16, 17) and feel we have a lot of love to share with a child who has Down Syndrome. We are a very close knit family and have dedicated our lives to raising our children with love.
Please email me.
Thanks so much

britishnc@yahoo.com

[danielle dougherty]

I am very much interested in loving a second child with DS. Just say the word & I will love yours forever. I honestly cannot take the thought of one of these precious children with no one to love them.

[Angela Carrion]

My husband and I are a middleage, christian couple looking forwards in adopting an approximately 18 month old baby boy with Down Syndrome.I've worked for many years with needy children.Our children have grownup and out of the home.We do not have a child of our own marriage.We have been praying for this baby boy for a long time. In faith believing, he is in our hearts,in our spirits and in our souls. And we will keep praying until we have him home.
Thank you for this web page. Keep up the good work.
God Bless.

Angela & Fred

[Linda Duncan]

I have an adopted son (6 years old)with Down Syndrome. He came to us when he was 6 months old. I would love to adopt a little girl with DS. If anyone knows of an available child, I would be so grateful! - Linda

[Linda Duncan]

I forgot to put my email address in so you can contact me privately if you want confidentiality.

Again, I am looking for a little girl with Down Syndrome to adopt. Thank you.
lindamary@earthlink.net

[Randy Wharton]

My wife and I have an 8 week old down syndrome girl that we are considering putting up for adoption. If we do do this, we want it to be with a family out of state, we live in Ohio. Can someone point us in the right direction?

Thanks
rlw1@sssnet.com

[Lisa Elzey]

I am looking to adopt a child with Down syndrome. I already have a son with downs and have been praying to adopt another child. If you know of any situations please email me. Thanks Lisa

[LISA ELZEY]

I ALSO FORGOT TO POST MY EMAIL. I AM WANTING TO ADOPT A CHILD WITH DOWNS. MY EMAIL IS a1960sunshine@hotmail.com. tHANKS YOU LISA

[Angela]

Hello Randy,
My husband and I live in Nebraska. We have 2 children but have been talking about adopting a child with DS for awhile now. My first child had DS, but passed away 8 years ago because of his severe heart defects. I would love to talk to you about adopting your daughter if you are still thinking about it.
Angela

[Kristin]

Hi everyone I recently had a little boy who is now 3 1/2 weeks old. I had no clue throughout pregnancy after 19 ULTRASOUNDS and a blood test for Downs that anything was wrong with my little boy. I just turned 21 years old, and not sure im able to provide the care for Joseph as he will need. Please contact me if you are looking for a baby with downs. I have many pictures and will be willing to tell you the whole story. Email me if you want.
Kristin