More Articles And Information

I'm working on my online training class today, and found some more information and articles that are good regarding issues Internationally adopted children and institutionalized children can experience.

Challenges Experienced By Intercountry Adopted Children
Sensory Processing Disorder
Children's Health
Orphanage Care And Language
Medical Screening After Adoption
International Adoption Medical Clinics
Chinese Orphans Find Home
The Do's & Don'ts For Grown Ups
Intercountry Adoption: Where Do I Start?
Intercountry Adoptions Finalized Abroad

Common Medical Issues:
*Malnutrition
*Microcephaly
*Prematurity
*Infectious Disease
*Anemia, Blood or Genetic Disorders, Lactose Intolerance

Cultural/Environmental Issues:
*Pollution (Can cause respiratory ailments in children)
*Lead Exposure
*Radiation Exposure

Maternal Substance Abuse:
*Poor growth, abnormal facial features, learning delays
*Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
*Alcohol Related Disorders

Other Medical Issues & Information:
*Autism
*ADHD
*Concerns For Pediatricians
*Neuropsychological Evaluation
*Need For Special Social Services
*Bringing Home A Child Is Just The Beginning
*Issues Of Intercountry Adopted Children

Child Referral Information
Children relinquished or removed by court order are typically given a written record that may include some basic information; mother's age, number of pregnancies, type of employment, and reason for the child's institutionalization. Some medical history is provided, which may include: HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and Syphilis. While it's reassuring to have those test results, you need to remember that these tests are being run in laboratories where the quality control standards are unknown. Also, Hepatitis B can have an incubation period of 12 weeks; labs can also show a false negative if drawn before 3 months of age. Referrals typically include child's date of birth, measurements, and medical exam.

Questions For Orphanage Pediatrician:
*How long did the child live with their birth family?
*How long was the child institutionalized?
*What is the staff-child ratio at the orphanage?
*Why is this child available for adoption?
*Were there any hospitalizations?
*What's the child's most recent weight, height, head circumference?

Traveling Information:
*Travel Tips
*The Top 10 Secrets Of Successful Adoption Travel
*"Meeting Kit" Including: Backpack, Toys, Photos

Tests After Returning To The US
It's important to have an exam with a pediatrician as soon as possible when returning home. Many institutionalized children from other countries have parasites, lice, scabies, or tuberculosis and early treatment is very important for their health as well as to not spread these to other family members. Immunizations also need to be updated.

Recommended Tests:
*Blood Tests (HIV, Syphilis, Hep B & C, CBC, Lead Level, Thyroid)
*Vaccine Antibody Titers
*Newborn Screen (If child under 18 months)
*Stool Samples (Ova & Parasites)
*Skin Test For Tuberculosis
*Dental Exam For Children With Teeth
*Vision & Hearing Exams
*Emotional Status