Attachment and babies

[Uphigh]

I posted recently and was sensibly advised to come back with more specific questions. So here they are, what types of issues can I expect a young adopted baby/child to have ( such as attachment difficulties), how could those be expressed and how can I help the child with them.
Actually those are pretty big questions, huh?!
Our situation is that we are considering adoption due to our age. We already have a birth child who is nearly two. I am trying to think through if we could give an adopted child the time and attention they would need given any additional requirements they may have whilst also meeting our existing child's needs.
Our LA does have babies and young children coming up for adoption.

There's far too much to cover in a few posts .

I suggest you check on Amazon for the books by caroline archer , they are very helpful and practical

Afraid you will have too do a lot of home work.
As for O too 6 months area is under represented of possible problems, need too look at TRAUMA and Post traumatic stress, development delays,
problems can occure such as attachment issues later in life(at any age).

anti viral testing (HIV THIS IS NOW MANDATORY AT BIRTH)results.
LOT's of negativity around regards FASD not all children are effected as a result of birth mother alcohol and drugs issues. UK Statistics 1 in 1000 births outside of Adoption's , there would be children in care with such problems associated with FASD but not FASD as FASD is an Umbrella term
with effects such as Autism,ADHD, Asperger's, SIDS, which can be a result of many other reasons such as Genetic or Neglect or abuse.
Separation's and loss is an important area you should look at.
Inclusions, promoting self esteem , and early interventions.
Most important enjoy family life which ever child you intend too adopt
look after the child 1st then the problem if any.
Most children adopted from care will have problems of some description.
Not a perfect child or baby these days, folk's should lower there expectations. Love security and permanency is the recipe for a perfect child know matter their ability

Thanks, after I posted I did think it was pretty wide. I have read some stuff online but it is pretty general. I thought it might be helpful to get some people's own experiences to bring to life what I could perhaps expect.

I was not suggesting you should read online . I was suggesting that you read books, which have been written by authors with personal experience .they are full of real life examples

FASparent has given you a long list of related conditions, why don't you research these .

We're in the process of adopting a 6 month old. All I can say is he appears to be a very happy, contented, healthy baby with no issues. He's settled amazingly and things are for now normal. No one knows what lies in store for any child be it birth or adopted. We are aware of attachment issues and are doing all that we can to create a good attachment with us. We are incredibly lucky in that he has been with one foster carer since birth who has done an amazing job.
We will take it one day at a time and enjoy our beautiful new son with whatever the future may hold.

Yes I know you weren't suggesting I read online, Kristina. I got that. I was just explaining why I posted.
Thanks for the book suggestion.

Thanks Velvet for sharing your experience.

Good luck Uphigh.

I can't believe attachment issues STILL aren't a standard part of the pre-adoption training course. (I know they get a quick mention, the last prospective adopter I spoke to (1 month ago) told me she'd been well prepared - yet actually was confusing "attachment" with "bonding", as did I and many other carers when first approved.)

If she actually adopts a child like one of my current placements she is in for one hell of a shock, and none of it will be her fault.

Uphigh don't expect that a baby will have less issues than an older child - I've had babies with me from a couple of hours old who had serious attachment issues - especially if withdrawing. These presented as issues with food, temper, concentration, delayed motor skills, lack of interest in the world around, a constant need to fill quiet time with noise, hyperactivity... I could type all day.

I agree with Fasparent though that no child is perfect. And giving a child labels doesn't always help - but will help you get additional support!