Saturday, June 17, 2017
My Hypothetical Family Situation
For this assignment, I identify myself as a parent who is about to adopt a three year old little boy (Jacobe) that has just recently been diagnosed with autism. Both of his parents were killed in a tragic car accident and he does not have any family who is willing to adopt him with the severity of his condition. I am currently married and we currently have a 6 year old daughter. He does not have any siblings from his parents but has been separated from his grandparents. They felt as though they were to old to care for their grandchild. I am currently a speech therapist with my own practice and my husband is a marketing executive for Apple. Due to our financial successes, we feel as though we are equip with the resources to adequately care for a child with special needs. The knowledge and experience that I hold as a speech therapist in Early Learning and with special needs children, also qualifies for being great foster parents. English is our first language and is also the first language of Jacobe.
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Hello Jasmine
ReplyDeleteYour hypothetical family has some similarities as mine. The children mother was killed in a car accident, English is also the first language being used. One thing that is great for your family is that you and your husband are both financially secure where you can provide this child with the help and services she will need.
Hi Jasmine,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your family with us. It does feel like this could be a "real" family. I wonder what their extended family support may be like? Also what the fathers experience with special needs may be and if he fully realizes the road they have chosen? Could this lead to difficulties between the parents if their views, or investment in the adoption are different? Just a thought...
As I consider what strengths this family has and what supports it may need, I see both. For strengths they have the mom's education and line of work in special needs, as well as the financial resources of being a two income working family. I see supports that would be necessary in all three of the systems. Health- severe autism can also be combined with other health related issues. What do the parents know and understand about that? I am guessing that they have adequate medical insurance and do not need to worry about the co-pays or deductibles, but for many that would need to be a consideration with the probability of changes coming at us all soon.
The education and development system would need offer support and resources as well. First, knowledge of what is available and how to access it would be crucial. My girlfriend was able to access and understand the resources much better once a social worker was assigned to her son. Maybe the county office would be a resource for this family as well??
Helping the parents understand, both mom and dad, understand the law concerning special needs children and their education including IEP's would be essential as well
In the family system, the six year old daughter stands out to me. While having a new brother would be cool at first, I wonder how she will be feeling a few months down the road when she is now sharing attention and time to what will probably be an extreme level? Have the parents considered this? What about child care? A child with needs such as his will need specialized child care or a nanny with skills to manage his needs.
These are just some thoughts that came to mind. Hope they are helpful for you:)
~karlene