Transition from Orphanage to Home, Page 2
Getting Health/Preferences Information Guest: In preparing for transition and services, how much information is really available on the child's history to help the planning process? And are some countries better than others about providing accurate information?
Rita: As you know the level of information varies greatly in its amount and accuracy, however most of the info. is medical in nature. To find out your child's likes, patterns, and even history, your best bet is to get as much info from the caretaker at the orphanage as possible when you go to get your child. Not only do countries vary but orphanages within the same country vary in the amount and type and accuracy of info you will get beforehand, unless you are adopting a special needs child where you will have a clear idea of your child's issue beforehand. In all cases, upon arrival home I would suggest an assessment. It would be great to have info ahead of time but the system just doesn't seem to function that way.
Guest: For countries requiring 2 visits, do you recommend that parents take their own videos w/sound to let drs see here at home?
Rita: Yes but you have to keep in mind not to offend the doctors and caretakers at the orphange who have expressed to me that they feel disrepected by Americans who measure children's head circumference and take pictures, etc. It's all in how you do it, how you approach them. It is best to explain you want to be able to have these for memories and to watch while you are waiting to return, etc.
Home - A Year Later Guest: We've been home 13-1/2 months with our two sons from Ukraine.
Rita: How old are they?
Guest: They were 4.4 years and 24 months at adoption, now 5.5 and 38 months.
Guest: A question - based on something asked earlier: did they have sleeping problems? night terrors or anything like that at first?
Guest: Screaming fits about bedtime, bathtime and about every other at first, but within a month, nights were ok and bath was great.
Rita: How are they doing? How are you doing?
Guest: Our 5.5 year old is still experiencing major delays, possible RAD or autism, the 3 year old is almost caught up except language.
Rita: The major tasks for the parents are really patience and perseverance.
Guest: Yes, you are right Rita! :)
Rita: Is your older son getting any intervention?
Guest: Yes, and he's improved and continues to improve daily, but I'm fighting the school system about speech therapy. He's been through a lot since coming home - eye surgery, hernia/circ surgery, dental surgery, MRI & EEGs.
Rita: That is a whole other topic, school systems. His medical issues may be affecting his ability to have energy to relate.
Many thanks to all who participated!
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