Adoption STAR’s International Adoption Coordinator Meg Montgomery invites you to learn more about a 2-year-old boy who is diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Matthew is currently living out of family care and is ready to be adopted by a loving family! Matthew enjoys playing with toys and is working on sitting up independently. He can even take a couple of steps when an adult holds his hands. Two of Matthew’s fingers are fused together and he has an extra thumb. His doctors say a caring and supportive family would help him make strides in his life!
Please contact Meg at [email protected] to learn more about Matthew and adopting a child with special needs through Adoption STAR’s Bulgaria or Hungary adoption programs!
The National Down Syndrome Society’s website states “down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition. One in every 691 babies in the United States is born with Down syndrome.”
When families are considering the adoption of a child with special needs, it is helpful to have a little background information and resources for learning more about particular special needs that they may research as they determine what might be a good fit for their family.
The cause of Down syndrome is unknown, occurring when there is an extra full or partial copy of chromosome 21. There are different health risk factors that are connected to down syndrome including heart defects, infectious disease, dementia, sleep apnea, and obesity. There are different types of Down syndrome, but in general Down syndrome can cause intellectual and developmental delays. A child with Down syndrome may have low muscle tone; have a smaller stature, an upward slant of the eyes, and a crease in the middle of their palm. It is important to note that individuals that have Down syndrome may have one, all, or none of the above physical traits. There are many specialists available to assist in managing any concerns that may when an individual is diagnosed with Down syndrome.
Here are links to more information about Down syndrome:
The Mayo Clinic: Diseases and Conditions: Down Syndrome
National Association for Down Syndrome: Facts About Down Syndrome
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Facts About Down Syndrome
Learn more about Adoption STAR’s International Adoption Program.
PLEASE NOTE – The information and links provided above does not replace speaking directly with medical professionals.