Other Special Needs

Janice enjoys outdoor activities, especially riding her tricycle, sliding down the slide in the neighborhood park and bouncing around a basketball.  When she isn’t participating in a physical activity, Janice likes reading books and singing nursery rhymes with “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and “The Butterflies are so Beautiful” being her favorites!

Janice is shy around strangers, but interacts with them once she becomes familiar. Janice acts affectionately towards people she is familiar with and asks for cuddles. Janice has a close bond with her foster family and likes to seek their affection.

Janice has a Cerebral Palsy diagnosis with moderate cognitive and motor skills delays.  She currently attends physical, occupational and speech therapies. Janice has made good progress, and she is now able to climb stairs, jump on the ground 10 times in a row, and complete a 4 piece puzzle! At home, Janice will imitate her foster mother’s speech and ask questions.

Could you imagine pushing Janice on the swings at your neighborhood park or teaching her how to ride a bicycle?   If you think you could be the right family for her, don’t hesitate to reach out

AJ is a calm, loving, shy boy who came into the care when he was about a year old; he was found abandoned. He has favorably adapted to the institution where he is being cared for and he has made significant progress in his motor process.  The boy moves his upper and lower extremities, he can take his feet to his mouth, he crawls, and tries to stay standing with support. The report also states that AJ is a boy who explores the environment, he maintains attention and interacts with people, appropriately responding to the sensory stimuli that are presented to him. AJ likes children’s songs and dances imitating his peers, he likes colorful musical instrument toys.

Photo available from agency!

When the medical report was first performed when he was about one year old, AJ was not walking and a level of delay is reported in the cognitive, language and motor areas that are related to the state of severe malnutrition with which he was found as an infant.

His Grade I Osteogenesis Imperfecta is the mildest form of the condition. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily. OI is highly variable. Its signs and symptoms range from mild to severe. In addition to fractures (broken bones), people with OI sometimes have muscle weakness, loose joints (joint laxity), curvature of the spine (scoliosis), brittle teeth (dentinogenesis imperfecta), and hearing loss. A classification system dividing OI into several types is commonly used to help describe how severely a person is affected. Type I is the mildest and most common form of OI.

Jolene has lived with a foster family since 2014. She is very attached to them.

Her fine motor skills are delayed. She has difficulty with writing, cutting and grasping objects. She speaks using single words and short phrases. She mispronounces sounds. She has difficulty making choices and decisions and relies on her foster parents for assistance with tasks. She has difficulty with social boundaries and often tries to hug strangers. She shows interest in other children and observes them, but has difficulty with following instructions or following rules with interacting with other children. She requires assistance with dressing. She can feed herself, but has to be monitored to ensure she doesn’t overeat. She is eager to help with household tasks, but struggles to complete them independently. She assists with cleaning the table, sweeping, and similar tasks.

Sven walks independently with a slow gait. His fine motor skills are developed. He plays with toys, but not with their intended purpose. He does not initiate contact with other children and does not participate in cooperative play. He responds positively to familiar adults. He does not have any verbal communication and does not follow verbal directions. He is currently fed with a bottle. He cannot chew and will not accept the staff’s efforts to teach him to eat with a spoon. He requires full assistance for all care tasks.

Daniel is described as fun and easy physically and mentally. He enjoys activities such as reading, drawing, making crafts and anything related to movies or horror characters. He was diagnosed with ADHD in 2021 and is being treated with medication. Daniel is a calm child who behaves with kindness when situations turn out the way he wants. He can be irritable when they don’t. He is 4th grade and shows good social skills with his classmates. He requires adult support to understand the importance of following rules since his ADHD diagnosis can make it difficult to manage impulsivity and anticipation of consequences of their actions.

Alexis is a happy, playful girl with a lot of charisma. She quickly gains the affection of those around her. She likes to make jokes and her energy level can lead to difficulty regulating her emotions. Alexis is bold, outgoing and social. She likes to give and receive affection such as hugs and kisses and demands attention of adults. She has managed to adapt socially and behaviorally to school and demonstrates autonomy, security and enthusiasm when participating in routines and activities. She is in 3rd grade and is kind to peers and adults. She is being treated for atopic dermatitis and asthma.

Brett lived with a foster family from birth to age 4. He did not attend preschool or receive any interventions during that time. The family was not experienced in how to work with him. He was placed in a small group home at 4 years old. He has thrived in this setting. He has learned many new skills and continues to make improvements in all aspects of his development. He communicates using words and simple sentences. He understands everything said to him and can answer basic questions. He takes care of all his personal hygiene independently (brushes his own teeth, hair, dresses/undresses himself, is toilet trained, etc). He can count to 10, recognize colors and shapes, work puzzles, say his name and age, and also say the names of the other children living in the home. The staff at the group home believe that his mental delays are mild and state that this is because he made such rapid progress once he was placed in the group home and began receiving instruction. The foster family had reported behavior issues, mainly an inability to concentrate. The staff reports no behavior problems and stated that he just needed attention and appropriate instruction. They describe him as very affectionate.

Diagnosis: Spastic cerebral palsy; moderate mental delays; Congenital deformities of the foot.

Stefi uses a wheelchair for mobility. He can propel the wheelchair by himself. He tries to talk by making vocalizations to approximate words. He responds positively to attention and seeks out interactions with staff and the other children in his home. He enjoys playing with stuffed animals. He will push other children if they are playing with a toy he wants. He is completely dependent on an adult for all care tasks (feeding, toileting, dressing, etc).

Owen has established self-care skills: He can dress/undress himself, feed himself and is toilet trained. He talks in sentences using 3 or more words. His gross motor skills are well-developed. He can walk, run, go up and down stairs and climb. He participates in conversations, understands everything said to him, and answers questions. He has issues with articulation. He attends a day program where he is receiving academic instruction and therapies. He is interested in everything happening around him. He enjoys Montessori toys. He can string beads, nest items, sort by color, and manipulate items of different sizes. His memory skills are developed. He can recall and reproduce information.

Lauren shines with a warmth that is immediately felt by everyone she meets. Her sweet and easy-going nature makes her quick to bond with both children and adults alike. An inquisitive soul, Lauren’s curious mind draws her to be a helping hand around the home, eagerly participating in day-to-day activities and showcasing a commendable level of independence in her daily routines.

Gifted with considerable communication abilities, Lauren also brings a touch of uniqueness through her passion for dance, expressing herself with joy and confidence in every hip-hop move. This lively interest in the arts highlights her outgoing and engaging personality, which endears her to both peers and adults.

While Lauren delights in being the center of attention and thrives in communal settings, like many children, she’s learning to channel her exuberant impulsivity into positive interactions. Her journey has been one of beautiful transformation. Through consistent support and exposure to stable role models, Lauren has made impressive strides in mastering self-regulation, although the support offered by her environment has its limitations.

The diligent teamwork of dedicated caregivers underlines the progress Lauren has made and underscores the need for continuity in nurturing her personal growth. Particularly crucial is the ongoing dialogue helping Lauren reconcile her emotions regarding her biological family background and shape her aspirations for the future.

Lauren dreams of being part of a forever family—a family eager to provide her with the love, stability, and support she deserves. A family that can offer her a unique place in their hearts and home, affirming her worth and fostering her continued growth, emotionally, socially, and academically.

Ames is a joyful youngster who displays notable independence for his age, showing advancement in managing personal responsibilities in spite of his cognitive development in areas such as language mastery, social dynamics, and self-regulation. Ames is progressing, revealing a promising trajectory.

His interests are as varied as they are engaging, ranging from the energetic spinning of beyblades to the strategic play of table football, and the creative assembly of Legos. A fondness for stories also defines him—he delights in listening, reading, and sharing tales with others.

Understanding and following rules come naturally to Ames when they are communicated clearly and applied consistently. He flourishes under positive reinforcement and thrives on routine, which helps him navigate his day with confidence. When faced with choices, he benefits from being offered two options to help enhance his decision-making skills.

Adaptable and responsive, Ames shows a commendable capacity for assessing situations; however, he does rely on adult guidance to navigate safely through his environment. Previously having not experienced a traditional family setting, he formed emotional attachments with his caregivers. Ames longs for what many take for granted—a loving family to call his own.

At his current developmental stage, it’s essential to tailor Ames’s transition towards adoption, ensuring the introduction to a potential family is mindful and gradual. Psychotherapeutic support has been assisting Ames in processing his hopes and feelings about family life, laying groundwork for his future relationships.

Finn is a beautiful boy who will need a special family to care for his medical needs. Agency staff met Finn in July of 2022; they can provide more info on Finn and his medical needs!

VIDEO:
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-finn1
Password: Adoptmaa

Now that Finn is 8, he has a $500 agency fee reduction for his adoption; Additional agency fee reductions may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances!

Bennett is a very social child. Whenever he sees his friends, he eagerly greets them with a smile, a hug, and a “Happy Birthday!” He had hydrocephalus as an infant that was treated with a VP shunt. The shunt was later removed but he still has macrocephaly. He does have a history of seizures which are very well controlled by medication. He receives physical therapy twice a week and has made tremendous progress over the past several years.

He is fully mobile, can feed himself, and go to the bathroom independently. Bennett wears a helmet to protect his head. He has become fond of his helmet though because he can show off his headstand. You will often find him enjoying jumping on the trampoline, playing on the playground or going on a walk. He needs redirection often because he is always on the move. Although he is generally happy, he can get frustrated when people do not do what he wants to do or if he is being asked to do something he is not ready for.

Bennett’s favorite part of school is circle time because he likes to sing songs and answer ALL the questions even if his answer has nothing to do with what was asked. He understands and speaks English as well as his native language. He is known for reciting the four seasons in English quite well. At home, he loves to ask other people to dance and sing with him too. Bennett loves to make people smile!

Have you considered adopting siblings?!

Meet Mimi & Micky! They are a delightful duo. Mimi, July 2009, our shining star who reminds us that a little shyness only adds to the charm! She is reported to be clinically healthy.

Her shy sparkle quickly turns to a dazzling ray in the comfort of good company. She’s the heart of our group, spreading joy and giggles with a sense of humor that’s as infectious as her enthusiasm. She has a heart of gold. Her warmth extends to the young ones she cherishes. She’s a caring older sister, always ready to wrap them in a hug or share a playful story.

Ever the social butterfly, she forms deep connections that last, crafting a tapestry of friendships wherever life takes her. It’s no surprise that in every circle, she’s that missing puzzle piece you didn’t know you needed until she arrived.

Meet her younger brother Micky, March, 2014 – a beacon of joy, with a smile just waiting to light up your life! This handsome young man might seem a tad shy at first, but give him a moment, and his true colors shine through, painting laughter and happiness wherever he goes.

Micky thrives in the company of peers, his imagination a treasure trove of fun and games. His spirit of camaraderie embodies a priceless joy that only a loving family can multiply. With football under his belt and his zest for cycling and digital adventures, Micky’s the perfect companion for active days and cozy family nights.

This update and new photos were added in October 2022.

Leonard is one of the most clever boys you could ever meet. Although he’s non-verbal in conversations he often sings his favorite songs out loud for everyone to hear. His favorite toys include tennis shoes, books, and anything that spins! He also loves any sort of sensory experience, such as playing in the dirt looking at moving lights, and swinging. Leonard is not difficult to please. He finds joy in all the small moments in life. His favorite days are water days. He could truly sit in the kiddie pools for hours! He loves splashing and experimenting with how the water moves. Leonard is so much fun to play with and be around.

Leonard is gaining more independence everyday. He can eat, walk, and use the bathroom on his own. He has many ways of communicating what he wants using gestures, verbal sounds, and expressions or body language. Leonard is almost never sad or unhappy. His laugh can be heard even in another room, his joy is truly contagious. When he gets to know you Leonard can be very affectionate. He loves to hold hands or lay in your lap. He might also take your hand to show you he wants his head or back rubbed. He knows how to seek out his favorite people, forming clear attachments to those he loves. Leonard would absolutely thrive with the consistency of a forever family who can love him fully and keep him safe always.

Praise is a sweet boy with lots of love to give! His story is sure to touch your heart! He adores his caregivers and has been very responsive to the therapy he has received so far. He has been diagnosed with global developmental delay, but has made great strides in his health and development since his arrival at the baby home. The changes in him are nothing short of praiseworthy! It is clear that with the love of a family and continued therapy, Praise will thrive in life. Could you give this precious boy all the love and care he deserves?

Ozzie has decreased muscle tone. He can’t walk, but has recently started standing up in his crib with support. He smiles and has positive emotions when interacting with adults and when he is with the other children. He pronounces combinations of sounds. He laughs when playing peek-a-boo.

*There is an older child that is believed to be Ozzie’s older brother. However, they are NOT listed as needing to be adopted together. The other child is listed as Ollie.

Dorie: The girl has a poor vocabulary, and therefore difficulties with understanding. She is active in words, conducts a dialogue, makes a simple description, but her statements are simplified and not always logical. Speech defect (interdental). She is an active child, shows great curiosity and wants to attract attention. She is willing to play and imitate but is less fond of organized games and has difficulty concentrating, as well as controlling and planning his activities.  She shows a bond with her siblings, especially her brother Nathan.

Nathan: Strong motor skills – correct for age. Walks, runs, overcomes obstacles. He participates in games, wants to attract attention and is upper active. Perception and hand-eye coordination – within the normal range for age. The boy notices details, differentiates shapes and colors. Recognizes pictures, selects pairs. He connects the pictures. He places the blocks in the holes of the puzzle. Builds block structures – simple and complex at the age level. Slight speech delay. Social behavior and emotional zone – age appropriate. There is a great need for a relationship, attention and contact. Sometimes he is too impulsive and reacts hypersensitive.

Iggie: Low birth weight,  FAS
Strong motor skills – the boy walks independently, runs, overcomes obstacles with a slightly lower fluency. He imitates simple, single body movements, claps his hands, raises his hands up, stomps his feet, enjoys simple games with adults, keeps up with the group. He puts circles on the pyramid, builds a tower from blocks, creates a row (“trains”). He scribbles with a crayon without imitating the direction and shapes, but he likes to draw with adults.
Speech shaping – reacts to sounds from the environment, looks for the source of the sound, reacts to musical sounds. Active speech at the word stage – repeats many one and two-syllable words on command. Points to parts of the face, says the correct words (ear, eye, etc.). Social behavior and the emotional sphere – visible improvement of contact and relationships, establishing contact without difficulty. He is cheerful, establishes basic relations with children, reacts positively to games, and imitates. Develops the basics of independence in everyday activities. Eats by himself.

The children experienced neglect and abuse before coming to the orphanage.

Update November 2015: He demonstrates interest in musical and mechanical toys. He will play for a short time – studies a toy, puts it in the mouth, transfers it from one hand to the other. He likes activities involving music. He recognizes familiar areas of the orphanage and understands his daily routine related to familiar tasks such as eating. He is very happy when interacting with familiar adults.

Update 2018:  Jesse attention span is short-lived and unstable in relation to objects and people. There is some sharing with a close adult.  Jesse responds when called by name.  His memory and speech are poorly developed. When happy, he laughs loud and when anxious, he cries. Sometimes he pronounces unspecified sounds and separate syllables. He is sensitive and emotional and tends to be nervous around strangers.  When given a toy he reaches out and takes it. He is working on the pinch grip. He hasn’t mastered fully the ability to move a toy from one hand to the other. Jesse is fed with a spoon and sleeps calmly through the night.  He cannot control his physiological needs.  Jesse is entirely cared for by the team in his orphanage.

(Jesse was also previously listed as Andy)

Meet “A, N & R” – three siblings who are longing for a family where they can grow up loved and together. A is a 12-year-old boy who does well in school and gets along with others. He has vision loss in one eye, but that has not seemed to slow him down! His sister, N, just turned nine years old. She has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and minor behavioral issues. N is described as mobile and energetic. She enjoys playing with her classmates and while she may learn more slowly than her peers, she is making continual progress. Their brother, R, just turned ten years old. R likes to color, watch TV, and ride on scooters and bicycles. He has diagnoses of a mild intellectual delay and ADHD as well as a congenital foot deformity for which he has undergone some treatment.

Waylon is in 5th grade with average academic achievements. He excels in mathematics and is particularly diligent in art and technology. He is inquisitive during educational trips and is an active participant in physical play. Waylon’s reading skills are good, he is able to narrate and read a text, answer questions, observe, and analyze. He attends wrestling, science, drama and sports clubs. In his free time, he plays basketball, and football, cycles, draws, does needlework, plays computer games, and watches TikTok or films. He has several friends with whom he spends his free time.

Waylon tries to follow rules but has difficulty following rules during lessons and concentrating on tasks. He sometimes
struggles to control his behavior and emotions. When angry, he behaves impulsively and uses verbal aggression. Seeks
leadership positions sometimes overestimating his own strength. He can become angry when he loses an activity and then
refuses to continue.

At first contact, the impression is that he is shy and withdrawn. After familiarizing himself with his
surroundings in a group of other children, he becomes bold and eager to make an impression. Waylon is able to make friends with other children, but is not always able to maintain them for long periods of time. Relationships with staff are generally warm, friendly and respectful. He is willing to interact, spontaneously develops a conversation and initiates conversations on topics of interest to him. Can distinguish, understand and relate emotions (sadness, anger, happiness, joy) to personal experience, although more often suppresses them and then acts them out on impulse. He lacks emotional self-regulation skills and sometimes has complex emotional experiences (loneliness, insecurity, anger, hopes and dreams about family life). Waylon is helpful, inquisitive, polite, generous, loves animals and likes to joke. He has age-appropriate decision-making skills, problem-solving skills. He has some signs of inappropriate behavior (swearing, insulting other children, not always responding to comments, etc.) due to being around older children. Waylon has been receiving psychological counselling since 2019. His caregivers say that it is likely that his mental health will improve significantly if he is provided with a safe, affectionate family environment.

Yvonne recently turned 11 years old. As a result of her low birth weight (4.8 pounds), a traumatic brain injury, and an early history of malnutrition, she has diagnoses of a mild mental delay, hyperkinetic disturbance of behavior, and delayed speech-language development. Since being placed with a foster family in 2018, however, she has grown both physically and emotionally. Her foster mother describes her as reserved, helpful and intent on getting what she wants. Yvonne attends a local school and is working at a third grade level. She is fearful of new people and new places. She generally will answer questions with one or two words, though those who know her well can understand her mispronunciations when she speaks at greater length. Her foster family and social worker are preparing her for what it means to be adopted.

He is happy and  cheerful boy with a great need for individual forms of contact and no behavioral disturbance. He walks correctly, runs, overcomes obstacles, and willingly participates in  the physical games. He has the features of motor hyperactivity, but the boy is able to adjust the activity to the form of tasks. Recognizes pictures, selects them in pairs and combines them correctly. Easily places shapes in the holes of the puzzle. Builds simple and complex structures. Mild speech delay – he can name objects, activities, features. Expresses single sentences, also complex ones, but uses these sentences less well.

From an agency representative who met him June 2021: He is pure joy and his little giggle is contagious.  He is so sweet, always look happy and friendly.  D is getting wonderful care while he waits for a family!

Photos and videos are available through the agency.

Lena has a diagnosis of Turner Syndrome with associated delays and epilepsy.

Drako has undergone surgeries to repair a cleft lip and palate. He is under continues care by medical professionals and will need future orthodontic surgery and other possible surgeries as well related to his cleft issues. Developmentally, his speech, motor skills, and cognitive processing are all delayed. He can crawl, pull to a stand, cruise around furniture/objects, and walk while holding an adult’s hand. He will interact with toys that play music or light up. He babbles, but is not yet saying any words.

Photos and videos are available.

Bodie has a diagnosis of moderately impaired general condition which requires constant adult attention and supervision. He was born prematurely. He has congenital hydronephrosis grade 3 of both kidneys with congenital mega-ureters and is underdeveloped in his neurological and mental development.  He does not make eye contact and does not have developed speech — although he does not use words, he hums and shouts to express himself. He is interested in toys but without creative play. He began sitting independently at 2 years 9 months. He stands but cannot walk independently, and uses diapers day and night due to kidney condition, and requires constant adult supervision for his daily needs.   Additional photos and a brief video are available upon request.

Bodie responds to his name with a smile, to sounds and noise. He keeps an eye on the movement of people and objects in the room. He is described as a calm and pleasant child. He is well attached to his caregivers and responds well to them. When given attention, he reacts positively and with a smile. Most of the time, the child is energetic and physically active. It is difficult for him to stay in one place, constantly moving and exploring.

The child expresses his joy by erratically clapping his hands and by making noises. When held by the hand he makes several steps.  (was previously also listed as Barron).

Silas has had genetic testing to rule out various genetic conditions. It is believed he has Pfeiffer’s syndrome. More extensive genetic testing that is not currently available in his location is needed to confirm the genetic diagnosis.

He walks independently, runs, climbs and descends stairs with support. He is interested in toys and will reach for them and play with them. His attention span with completing tasks continues to increase. He imitates syllables and words. He follows verbal directions and participates in games with peers. He is familiar with his environment and daily routine and interested in everything happening around him.

Marco has a beautiful smile that lights up his face. Marco was born with cerebral palsy. He is trying so hard to walk. Be sure to watch his videos to see him moving. Marco loves to look at books. The listing agency has more information about Marco and his special needs!

VIDEOS:
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-marco1
https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-marco2
Password: Adoptmaa

There is a $500 agency fee reduction for Marco’s adoption via the listing agency. Additional agency fee reductions may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances.

Mariah enjoys activities such as drawing, coloring, and painting. Her favorite activity is to make cards for her caretakers. At the time of her referral, she was learning to write. Mariah is a social, affectionate, and talkative girl who loves playing with her friends. They like to play dolls, hair, and play with dresses. Mariah likes stuffed animals, dolls, mermaids, unicorns, and dinosaurs. Her favorite colors are pink and green. She likes animals, especially chickens, dogs, cats, horses, cockroaches, and mice. She likes clothes, such as dresses and cute shoes. She loves running, dancing, drawing, swimming, acting, and watching SpongeBob. Mariah loves princesses, especially Ana and Elsa from Frozen. She is afraid of snakes, thunder, and darkness. When she grows up, Mariah would like to be a cook. We hope a loving family will see Mariah and all her potential. The adoption agency has additional information about her history to share.

VIDEO: https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-mariah1
Password: Adoptmaa

There is a $500 agency fee reduction for Mariah’s adoption with the listing agency. Additional agency fee reductions may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances.

Mariah needs a family with an approved home study to be able to move forward with adopting her.

Reggie is cheerful, affectionate and eager to socialize. He enjoys construction, playing with toys, and tries to join in
games with other children. His speech is undeveloped and difficult to understand. Reggie is unable to concentrate or
understand abstract problem solving. He needs help learning appropriate skills to regulate his emotions. He is currently attending a preparatory kindergarten group and attends a football club because he is very mobile and inquisitive. Reggie receives speech therapy and special education support (at least 5 times a week). He speaks with slurred speech and has a developmental delay. Irregular speech speaking in 2-3 word sentences with a poor vocabulary. He follows instructions, completes a 9-piece jigsaw puzzle correctly, knows colors, builds a tower of 10 blocks. He asks the name of an unknown object, can jump on one leg (both right and left). His fine and gross motor skills are insufficiently developed, self-regulation is impaired, impulse control is weak, attention span is short, he is interested in toys and names them, but does not play with them for long periods.

Monica is described as very sweet with a good appetite. She has a calm disposition and is always in a good mood. Her development is impaired with delays in fine motor skills, speech perception, expressive language, auditory attention, independence and sociality. Gross motor skills are significantly impaired. Visual attention is the most advanced. She gurgles and is very interested in various toys. She loves to touch and feel things. She observes her surroundings, knows people who are often with her, and is reluctant to accept strangers until she is used to them. She is very happy to be spoken to, moves her hands, smiles, giggles, chuckles, laughs loudly, and responds in her own language. She loves to be held, picked up and carried around. When placed on her tummy, she raises her head, holds it a little, tries to reach for toys. She has a calm disposition and a good attitude. She is catheterized every 4 hours, with an 8-hour overnight break. She is becoming more independent, tries to drink from a cup she is holding, eats by herself holding a biscuit in her hand, holds a spoon, picks up small crumbs with her fingers and puts them in her mouth.

Orson wants a family and is described as healthy. His special need is his age. He is an active, communicative, curious and sincere child. He attends a junior high school, is doing well in his studies and is regarded by his teacher and the school staff as a curious and easy-going child. He enjoys computer science and technology. Orson is interested in world news and current affairs, reads a lot of books, and especially likes and collects The Diary of a Loser. He enjoys playing computer games and is doing very well. He also enjoys construction and jigsaw puzzles – he is meticulous and completes tasks to the end. He plays football. He is self-confident and likes to try new activities. Orson has a warm and strong relationship with his caregivers. He is able to express his opinions, to argue, to negotiate and compromise and is willing to follow agreements or rules if he understands them clearly. Orson is friendly, gets along well with the other children in the family and is not prone to conflict or anger. He is very thrifty – he likes to save and likes to buy things he wants later. He currently has to wear orthopedic soles and glasses. He receives periodic psychiatric counselling and visits a psychologist. He said he didn’t want a family in 2017 but has changed his mind about adoption and a family. Orson wants to live in a family and have siblings. He wants to have parents that love and support their children and don’t yell.

Alfie is a young boy boy who shows interest in sounds and stimulation with mechanical objects. He is responsive and turns and looks towards the person who is talking to him. He engages in vocal exchanges emitting cooing. He responds with a smile when his name is called. He acquires strength through painting workshops for motor stimulation. Contact the agency to learn more about Alfie and his medical needs!

https://vimeo.com/maaspecialkids/maa-alfie
Password: Adoptmaa

Agency fee reductions may be available based on the adoptive family’s circumstances.

Axel has been assessed to have atypical autism against the background of a mild degree initial mental disability. Satisfactory general state of health. Ali understands and follows simple instructions. He imitates speech. He communicates non-verbally by pointing at things. He enjoys in his own way activities such as making things from playdough or clay. He does not get involved in the play and activities of the children in the group. Ali seeks contact with adults and peers in his own way by slapping or by caressing their heads. His play doesn’t match his age. Ali shows no interest in toys or blocks. He prefers to look at pictures and to watch educational videogames with animals. He prefers to do something alone. He likes being alone and does not seek attention. In the 2021/2022 school year Axel studied in the first grade at the elementary school in the town. He has a resource teacher as additional support. He studies under an individual plan for his education. His self-service skills are partially formed. He can eat on his own and prefers to eat with his hands. He needs support and care.

Raydor was previously listed on Reece’s Rainbow as Randy.

Raydor’s birth mother was addicted to Heroin and took Methadone during pregnancy. Raydor was born premature and spent the first 5 months of his life in the hospital. Raydor knows his alphabet, numbers and colors in both his native language and English. He can do simple addition problems (single digit plus single digit and single digit plus double digit). He speaks in 2 word sentences and memorizes poems. He loves to build houses and other things with Legos and will stay focused on this task for long periods of time. He plays independently and with other children. He enjoys music and often tries to imitate melodies. Raydor has some behaviors that are commonly seen in children on the Autism spectrum. He has not had any type of formal evaluation for Autism. 

The girls described as healthy and developmentally on track, but with significant trauma history.

Lilly is a girl without any disabilities. She is healthy and does not take any medication. All she needs is kindness, love, support, and security. Lilly is very emotionally connected with her younger sisters. She is helpful around the orphanage and has established friendships with her peers.

Poppy is an 11 year old girl. Her intellectual development is average. Her IQ is estimated to be between 90 and 108. She is very attentive and observant. She is polite in her interactions with others. Her behavior is typically very good. When she misbehaves, she always apologizes. Her trauma has formed the ways that she responds to stress.

Violet is 7, she has high intelligence, with an estimated IQ between 118 and 130. Her motor development is good. She has high social-emotional competence. She does not have impulsive behaviors

Felicity, Kayla, and Yuki are two sisters and a brother in need of a family. They live in a group home for children without disabilities.

Felicity was born in December 2009. The dominant emotions are the positive ones. She demonstrates active social behavior. Sometimes she still demonstrates weaker control of emotions. When frustrated, she reacts with irritation. There is no data for anxiety, depression, or aggression. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. She demonstrates positive self-evaluation. She has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching TV, drawing, playing computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She participates in games and in the communication of her peers. She is mostly taking the central role. She does not step back from her goals easily. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from eighth grade, a class with professional profile. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. At school she works with a resource teacher. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She has skills to participate in collectively organized household tasks. She wants to be adopted.

Kayla was born in December 2012. She is an emotional child. She does not demonstrate aggression. She is empathic towards the problems of the other kids. She is eager to help her peers if they need it. She is doing well with the maternal language. There are some minimal grammar mistakes. She is able to lead and maintain dialog. She can express sequentially and logically her thoughts and feelings. She can express emotions though non-verbal communication. She is building a positive self-evaluation. She has the typical for her age curiosity and she demonstrates characteristics of an extrovert. She enjoys watching cartoons, drawing, playing board games and computer games as well as playing outside. She is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within society. She can attune her behavior towards the requirements of the situation. She is adjusting well in the group of her peers. She participates with big interest in all organized games and events. She can step back from her own goals and actions in line with those of her peers. She can wait for her turn to come. Considering the neglect in her birth family she has some gaps in the knowledge which are expected for her age. She is able to read and write under dictation. She makes minimal mistakes. She is well oriented into her school. During the school year 2022/2023 she graduated from fourth grade. She has self-serving skills. She has habits for maintaining personal and environmental hygiene. She wants to be adopted.

Yuki was born in February 2011. In December 2012, Yuki was a victim in a road accident and suffered a right lower leg fracture. Considering the changes that happened in his life, the adjustment process into the residential facility and in school went with some challenges. In November 2022 he was consulted with pediatric psychiatrist who put the diagnosis for “Other mixed behavior and emotional disorders”. His condition is being followed and therapy may be prescribed as well as work with psychologist. Now he is calm, he is acting with respect towards peers and adults. He observes the rules. With desire he performs all the given tasks in school and in the residential center. The speech and the language skills are well-developed. He was raised in a bilingual environment where d both Bulgarian and Turkish language. He can lead and maintain dialog and he provides enough verbal information. During conversation he communicates freely, he enters contact easily. He is able to express emotions though non-verbal communication. He demonstrates positive self-evaluation. He has the typical characteristics of an extrovert. He enjoys playing on the computer, playing soccer and going for walks outside. With desire he participates in the group activities. He performs the tasks according to his abilities. He likes being praised and to feel helpful, to be in the center of the attention. He is oriented in the behavior of the children and the adults within the society. He can adjust to new conditions. When disappointed he reacts emotionally. He participates in the games of his peers. Not always able to adjust his goals and actions around those of his partners in the game and he may react emotionally and enters into conflict. He finds challenges accepting the failures. During the school year 2022/2023 he graduated from sixth grade, a class with a profile in boxing. He works with a resource teacher there, After the incident he had he has been educating remotely. He is doing well and within the timeframe. He has self-serving skills. He has hygiene habits, but he needs to be reminded. He participates with desire in the activities related to maintaining environmental hygiene. He wants to be adopted.

There is a grant of 7800 euros toward foreign fees (with the agency) and this specific adoption agency will assist with applying for more.

The brothers have been in foster care for many years now and they are such great kids. They want to have a family and to be together as brothers. Next year, because the older one will become 14 in the summer, they will have to move to another town because of his school. There are no options for foster families there and they will have to go to an institution. The social worker is very hopeful this won’t need to happen and that they will be adopted instead.

IRIO – He is social and communicative. He easily makes new friends. In most cases his relationships with the children and the adults are good. According to the foster parents, he communicates well with the children and the adults. They describe him as a well-mannered child, who can assess different situations and adjust his behavior with them. He is aware that there are many social roles in society, which warrant a certain behavior. He participates adequately in the games of his peers. He can follow the instructions and the rules. He prefers games with physical activity, but he can participate in some role plays, too, and symbolic games (he gets into the role of a policeman or a criminal). He seeks the attention of the other children. He enjoys drawing, riding his bicycle, and games with a ball and other sport games. He only likes to be alone if he is using the computer. He fits in well among his peers.

HAMILTON – The boy is calm, observant, and curious about the surrounding world. He is attached to his brother, who is placed in the same foster family. Together they take care of each other, communicate, and play. He talks about his biological family calmly and talks about how they used to live. He did not like the conditions in his home then. He is attached to the foster family, their children, and their grandchild. It is hard for him to accept the pain of others and is always ready to help. When in conflict situations he defends his opinion, he is stubborn. He follows the rules at home and at school. He sometimes presents himself with stubbornness, but he does not argue and is not aggressive. He has an idea of good and bad, and for punishment and justice. He shares his experiences with the foster family and respects them. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies, listening to music, and dancing.

September 2023 UPDATE: Simon has updated pictures (at the agency). He has grown up a lot and is using a wheelchair. His write-up states: Simon was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, spastic quadriplegic, and global developmental delay. Despite his condition, he is an active child and has progressed in his mobility through the help of his therapy sessions to her improve his mobility and muscle strength. Simon is enrolled in physical, occupational, and speech therapy sessions. He picks up toy shapes and transfers them from one container to the other in a slow way due to his spasticity. He responds through facial expressions and communicates by pointing to what he wants on his communication board. He understands and follows simple instructions such as take your face towel and wipe your mouth, “up here”, or “high five.” Simon has a good appetite every mealtime but sometimes needs more time as he stocks the food in his mouth before chewing and swallowing if he does not like the food. Due to Simon’s special needs, his child caring agency believes that the prospective adoptive parents will need to show him full support and close supervision since he requires extra care, understanding, and love. He will need to continue therapies and will require special education. He likes to be around many children and would be open to larger families. Simon is unlikely to live independently; However, with the love and care of a family, he would thrive and could live a full life with his family’s support. His agency believes he will make a wonderful addition to a family and will be a much-loved son!
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Simon is a very sweet little boy who currently lives with several older girls and is the last remaining “baby” in his home. He cannot speak, but does communicate through facial expressions and some noises.

A traveling family met Simon and said, “Within the three days we spent at the orphanage, we were able to bond with him to the point he would smile and get excited when he saw us. The older girls told us he can understand what they say to him. He enjoys being held and carried around, but spends most of his day sitting in a baby walker or high chair. He seems very easy going, as we didn’t see him complain about being put in his crib for nap time, etc. The caregivers are working on his motor skills. He can eat with assistance and enjoyed the ice cream we brought! It’s so easy to fall in love with this little boy! We are praying his family sees him soon!”

Simon has spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and has had seizures. He takes 30 mg of Phenobarbital once a day. Simon has mild hearing loss of the left ear. Therapy has helped lessen the spasm and Simon can open and close his hands. Simon loves being around people and making faces! When praying before meals, he bows down his head and says “ahh” when everyone says “Amen.” We’re hoping a wonderful loving family comes forward for this special little boy! There is a $500 agency grant for Simon’s adoption with his adoption agency.

Piper is a beautiful girl with a smile that can light up any room! Piper has a warm, sweet personality, and she adores her caregivers. She absolutely loves being read stories or just talked to. It’s clear that she understands what is being said to her. She enjoys music and appreciates a good nap! Piper has a medical diagnosis that may look concerning at first, but she has already made huge strides strides with some daily therapy and a lot of love! This special little girl will be a blessing to the family God has waiting for her. Could your family reciprocate all the love Piper has to give?

Julian enjoys playing with toys. He is well attached to his caregivers and responds to them when they talk to him. When he is happy, he responds by making noises and clapping his hands. His report indicates that when held by the hands, he will take steps.

Update Jan 2020:

Julian sits on his own while supporting his weight on his hands. He uses his hands to change his posture and move his body. He stands in the walker. He actively grabs and manipulates toys and objects, tries to use them as intended – shakes to produce sound, pulls the string of a musical toy. Visual-motor coordination is slightly impaired.

Despite his diagnosis of infantile cerebral palsy Teddy walks independently. He climbs on and gets off the bed independently. Teddy examines objects with hands, eyes and mouth. He is able to transfer objects from one hand to another. He is able to hold two toys in his hands and knock them in one another.

When the foster mother leaves the room Teddy would start crying and looking for her.

He likes playing with musical toys and shows excitement when they make sounds. He also looks at and likes some of the TV commercials.

The foster mother feeds Teddy with a spoon and some improvement has been reported, as he is now eating solid food. Teddy loves bananas, biscuits with milk, homemade soups and sops.

Rose was removed from an abusive home at 9 years old and could not even speak the language of her birth country at that time. She now speaks in sentences, understands everything that is said to her and has made rapid developmental progress. During the visit with our team member, she was talking about the Mom and Dad that she’s waiting for and having a fun time posing for all the photos (see below). She currently lives with an older foster couple, who she calls grandma and grandpa. They have worked with her to teach her many self-help skills. She’s now in school and doing well working with a resource teacher.

This boy wants to be adopted very much, he writes letters for his future family and asks them to come and visit him soon. He is very sensitive and caring child who longs for love and tenderness but sometimes he gets angry and disrespectful… His grades in school are very good but he doesn’t remember about his homework sometimes. He needs a lot of support and supervision from his teacher along with love and support from his future family.