Buddy, who came into foster care in March, was born with a developmental disorder. At age 13, he is non verbal and his behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive development are very delayed. However, the symptoms of autism he exhibits make it difficult to get a good handle on the level of his overall development.

A specialist at a local children’s hospital routinely sees Buddy twice a year. Buddy’s treatment program is primarily based on medication to address various special needs, including a seizure disorder, and providing Buddy with safe environments. Buddy’s seizures go in cycles and can stabilize for a short period and then will increase again. To protect him during his seizures, his treatment team is working on getting him a hard helmet (rather than the soft one he has) and pads to protect his shoulders.

Because typical behavior for Buddy is to pace or walk at a fairly steady pace, sometimes for hours, he needs to have safe places in which to do it. His foster parents’ enclosed playroom is an ideal place, and his self-contained classroom where he has line-of-sight supervision is another. While he’s walking, Buddy may hold on to (and sometimes chew a toy). When he gets tired, he lies down to rest and nap.

It is unknown how connected Buddy is to his sister, but she is connected to him. It will be important for the family adopting Buddy and the family adopting Jessica to help Jessica maintain some contact with Buddy. She needs to know that he is doing well and is alright.

Buddy needs to remain in the state of Washington, so his social worker wants to hear from Washington families only. Kind, patient, nurturing folks who have a good grasp of the behavior and special needs of autistic children, and who can commit to Buddy throughout his lifetime are encouraged to call. Buddy needs parent(s) who are able to provide the physical environment that is conducive to his safety, as well as the intense supervision he requires. Buddy is DDD eligible.


Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.