Birthmarks

Source of Information: webmd.com

What Is It?

Colored marks on the skin that appear at or soon after birth.

What Causes It?

Nobody knows.

What Are the Symptoms/Risks?

Most birthmarks are harmless and require no treatment. Treatment might be needed for birthmarks causing... more

Allergies

Source of Information: Webmd.com

What Is It?

An abnormal reaction by the immune system to a substance that is not harmful

Allergies can be broken down into six categories:

Asthma Drug allergies Food allergies Insect sting allergies Respiratory allergies Skin allergies

What... more

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Source of Information: Webmd.com

What Is It?

A behavioral disorder causing difficulty with…

Concentrating Constant movement Following directions Getting bored easily and frustrated with tasks Impulsivity Paying attention

What... more

Before you decide to adopt a child with any particular health risk, you need to do your homework and determine what kinds of special needs the child might develop. Not every person is cut out to parent every special need. While there are no guarantees when you add a child to your home, whether through birth or adoption, it only makes sense to do your homework and make an honest assessment of what you can and cannot handle as a parent. Yes, as parents we do rise to the occasion when our children develop health issues. However,... more

When we were filling out our adoption application, I really wrestled with the questions about health issues. Our agency provided a list of 23 health issues for us to evaluate.

Here is what the form looked like:

WE MAY CONSIDER*: IN CHILD / IN BACKGROUND

Prematurity Congenital... more

Your agency calls. They have a referral! The child meets all your criteria except for one thing - he has celiac disease.

What do you do? Is this kind of food-related disease serious enough so that it should affect whether or not you accept the referral?

Hmmm. I guess that's up to you. But as someone who is gluten intolerant (a close cousin of celiac disease) I say GO FOR IT!

Would you not adopt a child who had a peanut or soy allergy? Or what about a child who was lactose intolerent (as many children with African or Asian ancestry are...not to mention lots in the Caucasian community)? (Lactose intolerance is not a food allergy, but it's something that needs to be managed... more