c7290

Child's name: David
Number: C7290
Birthdate: 11/92
State: Washington
Listed: March 2009

If you have completed an adoption homestudy and would like to have your information forwarded to this child's worker, contact us.

DAVID (11/92) is very likeable and friendly. Among his favorite pastimes are watching movies, listening to news radio, building and taking things apart, and studying meteorology. As he was flying back to Washington recently from a foster placement out of state, he accurately predicted the weather in Seattle for the coming week. He really loves figuring out stuff like that. A complementary interest to a researcher like himself, of course, is using a computer. While playing on the computer is a favorite pastime, it is one that needs to be monitored for appropriate content.

David, who came into foster care in May 2005, has for several years now longed to be adopted. Yet he has continued to suffer multiple losses and huge disappointments as one after another of the people who love and care about him have not been able to provide the permanency and security he craves. David has challenges characteristic of children with high functioning autism. He also has symptoms of attention difficulties and high energy which are being managed through therapeutic supports.

One of the characteristic of autism that David exhibits is very concrete thinking. Concrete thinking combined with his high sense of curiosity can cause some unintended consequences, so the adults around him really need to pay attention to what he is doing. For example, last winter, having never lived in a snowy climate, David became extremely curious about water freezing, so he proceeded to pour water onto the house steps, coating them in a dangerous sheet of ice. Another time, he fiddled with the heater, and ended up turning it off. On another occasion, David inadvertently turned off the power to the refrigerator.

Among David’s other symptoms’ of autism are his difficulty with social interactions and following directions. David does very well, though, when given adequate structure and expectations, and when he knows the rewards and consequences around his behavior.

For example, this past summer David worked full time on a maintenance crew, doing weeding, edging, and other odd jobs. It was challenging for him, but he learned to satisfactorily manage his feelings of stress and frustration and interact appropriately with others. He ended up earning enough money to buy a new computer for himself and had money left over to put into his savings account.

Some years ago, David successfully completed a program focused on helping him strengthen his boundaries and learn personal safety skills. His worker tells us that there are no concerns about David smoking or using drugs or alcohol.

David’s worker wants to find a couple or a single mom or dad who will truly take the time to understand this boy’s issues. Using praise and positive reinforcements, while being firm and consistent when consequences are needed, and providing the structure, patience, and kindness that helps him feel safe and secure will be keys to giving David the permanency he wants and needs.

Subsidy and Purchase of Service may be available.

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