For most parents, medical and attachment issues are the most significant and scary ones they face in preparation for adoption. Children can come with any diagnosis that a human being can have and there are never any guarantees on the health of a child. Children can arrive with undiagnosed health issues or develop problems after arrival. Most adults can remember being misdiagnosed by an American doctor or having inaccurate lab results. Medical practice has evolved to a much higher stage in America but there is still no magical computer that will be able to predict everything a person has or will develop. Immunizations sometimes fail and treatments do not work.

Medical diagnosis and treatments differ in each country. That is why we highly recommend the use of an International Adoption (IA) physician or clinic in assessing the “referral” information of your child. They have become familiar with the medical information that Chinese Toddleris provided from each country and can put it into context. You will have a much greater idea of the “risk factors” after your consultation with your IA doctor. Your IA doctor will not tell you whether you should adopt a given child; that is your decision. Each family has their own level of acceptance for differing medical concerns. A cleft palate for some families may be very concerning while another is unphased by the needed surgery.

We will be providing a brief description of some of the medical issues that have been more prevalent in internationally adoptable children. It is not all encompassing. The descriptions are based on a compilation of information. We not only encourage, but expect that you get more information on these issues. This is a lifelong decision you will be making and you need to be informed by those most knowledgeable. There are resources cited for you to use in doing your own research. Websites can give you immediate information. Be proactive; it will help you immensely when you are making decisions.