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

[melissa kaupa]

My son is 6 months old with Downs, I am only 26 and what a blessing he has broughtr into our lives and everyone he comes in contact with! My 3 year old loves her brother very much!!!

[Jessica Kenny]

Kristin, Your story is much like my own. I was just 22 when Dylan was born. Again never knowing he had Down Syndrome. Although I never thought about giving him up, it was a terrifying experience, a life changing event. Dylan just turned 7 years old a week ago, and I sat and cried remembering the day he was born and thinking about the last seven years and how I would not have asked for anything else. He is my whole life, and at times it has been tough, but he is my everything. And now I think about children that need homes and here I am thinking about wanting another child with Down Syndrome. I just wanted to let you know that there are others that have been there. Please feel free to email me if you have uncertainties and questions. You were chosen for a reason. Consider yourself blessed.

Take Care-
Jess
jessicak_liasophia@hotmail.com

[Angela]

Hi my name is Angela, I stumbled onto this web site as I was reading through the internet about Down Syndrome.
I am 36 years old, and 3months ago gave birth to a baby girl. Unexpectedly, she had Downs. Later, A doctor came into my room shortly after delivery and said "did you know" your baby has down syndrome - I said no. Then the doctor says: it was dumb luck... I couldnt believe my ears; not at any time was I sad, surprised yes, but not sad. I told him god doesnt make mistakes. I told him that this baby was lovingly made and straegically placed inside of me. I will tell you this is the best gift I could have ever been given, I am so incredibly in love with this little girl.
At 2 months old she had open heart surgery and will more than likely have to have another.
Everyday I feel so lucky to have her in my life. I have never valued and appreciated anything as much as I do her.
If anybody would like to share in my experiences please feel free to contact me at: ams11891@yahoo.com

[Amy]

My husband and I adopted 2 children with downs. We already had 4 kids of our own and was longing for another. We got Isaac when he was 6 months old from a local adoption agency. Then two weeks later we got a call about a little girl, she was 4 months old at the time. We had applied through the National Downs syndrome Association in ohio, they help match birth parents with adoptive families. We wrote back and forth with the birth mom after we saw Savannah's sweet picture, a couple months later she came to meet us and then not long after she brought the baby to us. They are now both 4 years old and doing wonderful! They get along well with each other and other kids too. Savannah loves to talk even though you can't always understand what she says Ü
Isaac is more quieter but always ready with a hug and a kiss. They have given us such pleasure and love, sure there have been some stressful moments, but I remember them well with all of my children, that is just life.
If any one would like more information on adoption, or kids with downs or just some one to talk to, I would be more than happy to help.
I am sure we will adopt another child in the future.
Amy
sixlildarlings@verizon.net

[Wendy]

For those parents who are looking to adopt a child with Down Syndrome, please go to reecesrainbow.com
They help children with down syndrome from all around the world to find their forever families.

[Dyana]

My Finace' and I are interested in adopting a child with down syndrome,Please feel free to contact us at tiggerificdy@yahoo.com with any questions

[theDahlys]

Hello,

After much prayer, discussion, and even more prayer, our family has been shown that now is the time to add a wee little one to our family! We are hoping to adopt a child with Down's. Our oldest child has disabilities, so we are well aware of the needs of a child with disabilities! Also, dear friends of ours have a baby with Down's, so we know that we will have the support necessary to raise up a child in God's world, providing everything we can!
Thank you for considering us!
thedahlys@yahoo.com

[Hi]

I am 41 years old and 5 months pregnant, about 3 weeks ago, we found out that the baby has Downs. After a lot of thought and prayer, we have decided to give the baby up for adoption. We have been in contact with the Down Syndrome Association of greater Cincinatti. I am feeling very confident about this decision. Would like to hear from others who have had this experience.

[Tara]

I am 16 years old and 18 weeks pregnant and just a couple days ago my baby boy was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. I know I will not be able to take care of a child with Downs due to the fact that I am so young and I want to give him what I know me and my boyfriend couldn't...and that's a family that knows about Down Syndrome and could love with all their hearts. We love him with all our hearts and we want him to have the best. Please let me know if you are interested in adopting a baby boy with Down Syndrome.

[Debbie]

Hi everyone, My husband & I are searching for a little girl preferably with DS to adopt. We have 1 adopted special needs son now & would very much love to have a little girl for him to have a sister. We have alot of love & patience to give. If anyone knows of one available in US please email us ourcharlieboy@hotmail.com Thank you and have a blessed day.

[Debbie]

Hi Kristin,
Please contact me if you have not found a family for Joseph yet. We would love to talk to you. You didn't put your email so didn't know how else to contact you.
Best of luck to you
Debbie
ourcharlieboy@hotmail.com

[Debbie]

Hello,
Would the post's listed by Tara (16 yr.old) and Hi Please contact me about your children you want to place for adoption.
Thank you and God Bless You
Debbie
ourcharlieboy@hotmail.com

[anu]

I have a 1 month old baby girl with downs syndrome and looking for a small loving and financially secure family to adopt my baby ,she has no health issues.

[Ana]

I am 18 weeks pregnant with Down Syndrome child and will be going through a divorce,my husband doesn't want to keep the baby but I couldn't bear killing my own flesh just because of imperfection. Since we're filing for a divorce and I choose to keep the baby until delivery I believe it'll be too hard for me to keep her forever though it makes my heart bleeds but am looking for a foster parents of my child.I'm only 22, Filipina and have no means of raising the child on my own. If you're interested please contact me at mine1604@yahoo.com. Thank you..

[Debbie]

Hi Anu,

Would you please contact me at ourcharlieboy@hotmail.com I would love to talk to you about your baby. Thanks, Debbie

[Lisa C]

I am a mother of five, two of which are disabled (Autism/PDD and Down Syndrome). We are looking, praying, and hoping to adopt another Downs child. We prefer a girl (my Downs child I have is a boy), but will consider a boy too. We live in a wonderful home in the country with dogs, cats, and horses. You will not meet a happier family! My kids are also very excited about the decision to adopt. Please, find it in your hearts to consider us- we have started the homestudy process, and I am willing to work with the family and care for the child while waiting for the adoption process to finish.

Also, wanted to let you know, I am a stay at home mom. We are financially secure. And I am going to college to get my teaching degree, and plan to get a masters in special education. My whole life changed for the better when I had my kids. I love them so much, and still have love to offer a new member of the family. Please contact me.

brighteyes49082@yahoo.com

Sincerely,
Lisa

[Lisa]

Anu,

Please contact me.

Sincerely,
Lisa

brighteyes49082@yahoo.com

[Steve]

Visit Reece's Rainbow at www.reecesrainbow.com for information about adopting a child with DS internationally.

[Shu Mercy]

Hello Mme
I am Shu Mercy.A Cameroonian by nationality and resident in Cameroon.I just gave birth to a baby girl last 31 December 2007 and looking for a loving family that can adopt my baby.I lost the father of the babies some few months back in a motto accident and i have spend the rest of my life in the church compound where the church has been providing for my needs.I was to go in for an abortion because i had no body to take care of the pregnancy but with the help of the pastor,i decided to give birth and place the child for adoption.Please help me in any way you can.The pastor has opted to help me get through with this if i fine a family to adopt the baby.I read about your profile today and just felt deep inside me that you can help direct me if i am not on the right track.Please Mme help me in any way you can.Even an advice will count allot to me.Also is it possible for me to fine a loving family through this way i am doing?Please help me.I don't have much knowledge of the computer so i am just trying all my best to get someone to direct me in this.I am 25 and want to place my baby and continue with my studies.Mme please i am sorry if i boarder you with my problems but please if there is any way you can help me,i will always be great full for that.I come from a Christian home.Lost my parents some years back.Please Mme not to take much of your time,i will end here while waiting to hear from you.In the interim,i thank you for the kind time and consideration you put in this mail.Wish you a happy beginning of year and i pray for you.You can email me through my email mimimanka2000@yahoo.ca
Sincerely yours
Shu Mercy

[Amy]

We looking to adopt a down syndrome baby. After miscarring 3 babies recently, I believe its my sign to give a special child the love and happiness that we have to share. He/She would have two older brothers 8 & 12. Please help make our dream of another child a reality. Please email me if you have a baby or know someone. amyjo4ever@yahoo.com

[Goorno]

We have a son born 1 and half month ago, although been so shocked with the down syndrome, we love hime deeply and have enjoyed so much during these days. He is lucky without any serious complication, no heart defect, no stomach and thyroid problems. He eats so well and now his weight has increased from 7l bs to 10 lbs.

But, after painful thinking, we are considering whether we should put him for adoption since we are resident aliens with no permanant residency. And we are not confident enough whether we could taking care of him when we leave this country.

[Debbie]

Hi Goorno,

I would like to talk to you about your son, and our family.
Would you please write to me at ourcharlieboy@hotmail.com
God Bless You, Debbie

[Vivian Chau]

My unborn baby boy has been diagnosed with down syndrome. I am looking for a family who would like to adopt him. For more information, please contact me at vtaustex@gmail.com