CHALLENGES FACED BY ADOPTED KIDS.

 

1. Grief, separation and loss

While it may be difficult for parents to understand, most adopted children experience some feelings of grief and loss related to their adoption. They may suffer the loss of their birth parents as well as siblings, grandparents and extended family. Older children who were adopted later in life may grieve the loss of foster families, friends and familiar schools or neighborhoods.

2. Self Esteem and 

identity

Adoption can present some challenges for children as they work through the identity formation process, especially as adolescents. Adoptees with limited information about their birth families and the reasons their birth parents chose adoption may especially experience difficulties in identity development.
Identity development issues may surface as adopted children struggle to find their place in their adoptive family. 

3. Attachment issues, school challenges and other mental health challenges

Children who were adopted at an older age and who experienced trauma earlier in life such as neglect, abuse, multiple foster care placements or institutional care may have additional developmental, social and emotional difficulties. Some research suggests that these children may be at higher risk for issues such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance abuse, learning disabilities, depression, anxiety disorders and attachment disorder. 

4. Managing post-adoption issues

Adoption-related issues may arise for adopted children and their parents at any time. Help your child overcome difficulties by educating yourself on common post-adoption issues and seeking help when necessary.