No matter what kind of adoption you’re doing, it’s smart to enlist a pediatrician before you make any other decisions. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a section for adoption medicine, with a directory of members.
Referrals, Matches, and Prenatal Drug or Alcohol Use
Before you choose your adoption path, talk to an adoption pediatrician about risk factors and complications related to prenatal drug and alcohol use.
Understanding Medical Issues in International Adoption
Experts in international adoption medicine stress that the country of origin is less important than the individual child’s circumstances. Children with disastrous, life-long problems can be born to healthy couples in wealthy countries; perfectly healthy babies can emerge from chaos and poverty.
Can I Adopt a Healthy Child?
All parents, biological or adoptive, want perfect children, and all realistic parents understand that there is some risk in having children by any method.
“Facing Our Fears About Adoption”
Some adoptions don’t end well. Were we wrong to be afraid?
The Facts About Reactive Attachment Disorder
Child psychiatrists believe that children lay down emotional patterns, beginning in infancy. A child who does not experience consistent affection may never learn to feel or express affection for others. This syndrome is called “attachment disorder” or “reactive attachment disorder” (RAD).
Finding a Pediatrician
If you know nothing about the birth family’s medical history, or your child’s medical records are incomplete, you’ll want a medical professional with first-rate diagnostic skills to focus on areas of possible concern.
Ask AF: Prenatal Substance Exposure
We are in the process of adopting a child who may have been exposed to drugs prenatally. How can I learn more about this topic?
Should I Adopt a Child with “Special Needs”?
Peg Studaker, supervisor of the Waiting International Child Program at Children’s Home Society and Family Services, in Minnesota, says: “Parenting children with special needs should be a family’s first choice. Adopting a special-needs child should never be a second choice because the family could not get the child they really wanted to parent.”
Assessing a Referral
We’ve heard from our agency that we’ll be receiving an adoption referral soon. What medical information will it contain, and how should we assess it?
“Our First Choice”
I always knew I wanted to grow my family through adoption.
It’s The Law: Why Your Health Insurance Company Must Cover Your Children
My insurance company is refusing to cover medical expenses for my new child. Help!
Ask the Adoption Medicine Expert: Choosing a Doctor
What is important when choosing an adoption pediatrician? Our adoption medicine expert has answers.
Learning About Prenatal Drug Exposure
“The baby we’re adopting may have been exposed to drugs in utero. What does this mean for our child?”
Piecing Together a Medical History
What do parents need to know about medical history when adopting a foster child?
Sample Insurance Letter for International Adoptees
Adapt this letter to your child’s situation.
Is There a Test to Determine a Child’s Age?
We were told that our daughter was six when she was adopted, but she seems much younger. Is there a medical test to determine her age accurately?
Medical Preparations for Adoption Travel
My family and I are traveling to meet our new baby. What medical preparations should I make?
Vision and Hearing Testing
It makes sense to have your child’s vision and hearing screened as soon as you come home.
Choosing Your Pediatrician
Choose wisely — your internationally or domestically adopted child’s pediatrician will play an important role throughout his growing years.
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