Understanding Adoption: Gains, Losses, and Stages for Adoptees, Exams of Communication

Download Understanding Adoption: Gains, Losses, and Stages for Adoptees and more Exams Communication in PDF only on Docsity! Adoption: Developmental Ages and Stages Mandy Jones, LCSW, JD Certified Theraplay® Therapist The Cradle Adoption Therapist What is ADOPTION? What is missing? LOSS ==) What's in your > wallet? Grieving a Loss Gains and Losses Who am I? I miss my mom. I wonder where my brothers and sisters are. Will I ever meet my birth parents? Why didn’t she keep me? Loss and the Adoptee Loss and the Adoptee • Loss is not permanent • Realized after-the-fact • Socially unrecognized Infants and Toddlers (0-2) • Characteristics – Lack abstract thinking – Grieve loss of birth parent(s)/caregivers Infants and Toddlers (0-2) • Behaviors – Changes in eating and sleeping – Lethargy – Crying – Separation anxiety – Developmental regression Infants and Toddlers (0-2) • Strategies – Use patience, understanding and closeness – Have comfort foods – Provide consistent schedules and routines – Keep major changes to a minimum Preschoolers (3-5) • Strategies – Tell the adoption story – Reaffirm closeness – Model ways to express feelings School Age (6-12) • Characteristics – Understanding adoption gains and losses – Feelings of divided loyalties – Curiosity about birth parents – Ambivalence about adoption School Age (6-12) • Behaviors – Daydreaming – Withdrawal – Obsessive questioning – Anger – Compulsive activities Adolescents (13-18) • Characteristics – Questions about identity – Self-assertion – Feelings of loss or abandonment Adolescents (13-18) • Behaviors – Rebellious or provocative behavior – Sullenness or depression – Sexual promiscuity Adolescents (13-18) • Strategies – Encourage self-expression – Keep channels of communication open – Listen non-judgmentally Adults (19+) • Strategies – Be supportive – Share any information Resources • Adoption Support and Preservation (ASAP Services) – Statewide, state-funded, home-based services available to all adopted children (and subsidized guardianship). Parents can request services. • The Theraplay Institute – Trainings for parents and professionals; Database of attachment-based therapists throughout the state. Resources • A Home Within – Free therapy for all current and former foster youth. Available only in Chicago and North Shore area. Parents, caseworkers, GALs can request services. – www.ahomewithin.org • Adoption Learning Partners (ALP) – Online learning program on a variety of adoption-related topics. Some programs are free or are very reasonably priced. Would apply to non-adopted individuals as well. – http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/ • The Cradle-Center for Lifelong Adoption Support – Fee-for-service therapy for adopted children and families – Offices in Evanston and Oak Park