Child Development, Health and Well Being

Adoption and Child Development Issues: Watching for signs of Autism, ADHD

You can't predict the health of an adoptive child, many parents fear learning disabilities or Autism, ADHD.You may or may not be first time parents. Without a doubt you will be comparing your child to other children. There is a wide range of what clinicians consider being healthy or “typical” growth and development: one child walks at nine months; another walks at thirteen months. Milestones, or fixed markers of individual progress, help establish the outer limit for the range of healthy development. But within the range of typical development, there is tremendous variation and great opportunity for individual difference.

As a child grows and develops, parents may watch with both wonder and worry. How will I know if my child is on target? Stop worrying. Become educated. Seek support.

I have provided resources from the most reliable sources.

You'll be able to track the developmental milestones your child should be reaching, see how milestones change as your child grows, and download fact sheets on developmental milestones for children from 3 months to 5 years, along with information on developmental screening and developmental disabilities.
Red Flags - Warning do something NOW
S/he doesn't seem to be progressing. Who do I call? You can start by talking to your child's doctor. There are also resources online through the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and through Nichcy (the National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities). Both have sources on various disabilities including autism, ADHD and various learning disabilities.

Other Links of Interest S/he's "AT RISK" or has a diagnosis. NOW WHAT?
Attachment: Bonding with your new child.

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