Potential adoption for a child with DS

[Satch76]

Has anyone ever adopted an older child with DS? If so what are your experiences. I appreciate these could fluctuate greatly depending on the needs, potential LD, medical issues etc. But am interested in your personal journeys. Thanks

[Italiangreyhound]

In England it's very unusual (as far as I know) for anyone to adopt a child older than an existing child (whether that child is a birth or adopted child).

There are several reasons for this.

However, in rare cases people do adopt an older family member, or have a child come to live with them under a special guardianship order.

It sounds like you've identified a child, I don't want you to say anything that may make the child identifiable here but have you already got a child in mind? How big would the age gap be between the children?

[TigerQuoll]

I think OP meant "DS" to mean "down syndrome" rather than adopting a child older than their DS which is what I think you thought they meant.

Could be wrong though

[Italiangreyhound]

@Satch76 I am very sorry, TigerQuoll is completely right. I completely though you meant adopting an older child when you have a younger ds. So sorry. I have not had any experience of down syndrome so please ignore me!!!

[Satch76]

Sorry for late reply - yes I meant Down's Syndrome. Sorry my fault, should have made myself clearer! Thank you for replying anyway x

[chickenlegsbj]

Hi we didn’t adopt an older child, but he does have DS. He has been home for 5 years - adopted just before his second birthday. We also have a birth son slightly older. One thing to bear in mind is that chance autism is higher in children with DS and seems to be higher in adopted children. Our son is severely autistic (not obvious at the point of adoption as obviously he was very delayed because of the DS) which has a bigger impact than the DS. That said, we are very happy. We have no regrets and are contemplating doing it again. Feel free to message if you think it may help!

[Mynamenotaccepted]

Not a boast.....we have adopted 4 with Down Syndrome sadly J died with a complex heart defect, the other 3 are now adults and I really think we have been really lucky, we have no behaviour problems. All have odd traits (but who doesn't! )
The two girls have voluntary jobs E got a local volunteer's certificate. Our son sadly is deaf and epilepsy thrown in for good measure. They are delightful people and have kept us going through lockdown.
Good luck

[Italiangreyhound]

Mynamenotaccepted they sound amazing and so do you.

[Mynamenotaccepted]

Thanks Italian you always make me smile. Hope you are well. Keep safe everyone.