Eight-year-old “Adam” was adopted from China in early 2024. He is a dynamic and talkative child who often enjoys funny antics. He has a caring nature with friends and people outside the home. He has successfully learned English and enjoys outdoor activities such as riding bikes, playing soccer, walking, and engaging in crafts. He loves school and generally performs well academically, at grade level in math. He is currently reading and writing at a level behind his peers due to his recent acquisition of English. He participates actively in after-school activities and camps, showing enthusiasm for making friends.

Adam’s only medical special need is Microtia. He experiences full hearing loss in his right ear but does not require special accommodations unless he is in loud environments, where he may need instructions repeated in his good ear. In addition to his medical need, Adam has been diagnosed with ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, and autism. He is fully verbal, and there is uncertainty whether his autism symptoms are a result of institutional factors or not.

Adam has a hard history. In the orphanage, he experienced extreme trauma. As a result, he demonstrates some control-seeking behaviors, including tantrums. Adam’s family reports a noticeable difference in how he behaves at home compared to outside. Recently, Adam has spent time in inpatient facilities to address trauma, attachment issues, and behaviors. Adam’s family is seeking dissolution due to unexpected behaviors, challenges regarding having a sibling so close in age, and lack of attachment. Adam’s family believes he will do best in a home with no other children or children at least five years older than him in order to provide the one-on-one attention he needs.

Lifeline’s role in this case is advocacy only. For more information, email the Post Adoption Team at postadoption@lifelinechild.org.