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ANDREW J. (12/97), who likes to be called AJ, is a happy, loving child. There are a variety of activities that AJ enjoys, especially if his favorite adult – his foster mom – participates with him or is at least nearby. While being outdoors is always fun for him, he also enjoys watching favorite movies and videos featuring Ninjas and Spiderman. Coloring, listening to music, and having stories read to him are other favorite pastimes.

AJ was adopted at birth. His early years were very rough, and he came into foster care in 2003. By early 2006, he was legally free for adoption. It is believed that AJ’s special needs are due to early childhood trauma and to his exposure to alcohol in utero. AJ’s developmental delays have left him functioning emotionally, socially, and cognitively like a much younger child.

Mental health counseling and behavioral services and medication therapy are all important components of AJ’s treatment program. The medication therapy helps to lessen his symptoms of attention difficulties, high energy, and impulsiveness, as well as his high level of anxiety and fear. It is essential to AJ’s well being to have a structured environment with a predictable, consistent daily routine and a caring adult nearby to calmly and lovingly keep him safe and to redirect him as needed.

Many of AJ’s most challenging behaviors are triggered by his impulsiveness and immediate need for gratification. Fortunately, they have lessened considerably in care of his current foster mom. As AJ’s favorite and most trusted adult, she sees that his daily needs are well met. She sees that he has a strict daily routine that helps to keep him from getting overly stimulated and that his medication regimen is closely followed. Frequent reassurances and words of encouragement throughout the day are also essential to easing his anxieties and fears.

It is essential that AJ continue to have a school program that provides the consistent and substantial amounts of support in the classroom that he needs to function well. In the fall of 2008, AJ will be in the Applied Behavioral Analysis program which provides both occupational therapy and speech services.

A smaller family with parent(s) who have a good understanding of the needs of children who have suffered early trauma and have fetal alcohol effects will likely meet AJ’s needs best. His worker wants to hear from adult(s) who are calm, kind, loving, and patient, and who have the stamina and the desire to help this darling boy become the best that he can be. Of course, the family will need to have access to pediatric mental health and behavioral services and special education resources.


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