Explaining The Issues With Adopted Child Syndrome

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The process of adoption can be seen as an amazing act that is done by all parties to best benefit the child. From the birth mother selflessly giving up their biological child to the adoptive parents welcoming a new miracle into their family, everyone is putting their best efforts forward to create an enjoyable life for the kid at the center of it all. A is 4 Adoption was founded to help in this beautiful endeavor, providing birth mother help and new parent support every step of the way. Unlike your standard adoption agency in California, our center aims to create a personalized plan that limits the stress and frustration associated with going through the adoption process. Everything we can do to help will be done!

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding adoption and its benefits for everyone involved is built on negative experiences and public opinions of the past. Today’s society continues to hold onto these damaging stories and stereotypes, dismissing the notion of adoption and hurting millions of children in the process. Today, we’ll discuss the prevalence of “adopted child syndrome” and the impact it has had on our country. If you’re interested in learning more about our private adoption services, be sure to contact us today!

A Changing Definition

The phrase adopted child syndrome is everywhere these days, yet finding a true definition can be a serious challenge. In essence, this syndrome is a tool that is used to explain the behavior of children who have been adopted when certain behaviors are caused by or related to their adoptive status. While this definition may sound relatively inert, it can prove to be very damaging to many adopted children. Specifically, the behavioral issues that adopted children exhibit in their lives can be neatly explained by the fact that they are indeed a part of their nonbiological family. Adopted child syndrome tends to explain negative behaviors, including:

  • Dishonesty
  • Stealing
  • Opposing authorities
  • Violent acts

This definition may seem useful in categorizing why adopted children misbehave. A is 4 Adoption understands that many older children who are adopted come from abusive or neglectful households, and this upbringing may have played a major part in future activities and decisions. The last thing anyone wants to do is dismiss traumatic events from young childhood, and our experts aim to educate adoptive parents on how to identify and address any emotional issues stemming from such negative memories.

Adopted child syndrome is not found in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, which many professionals believe to be the authority on documenting and classifying mental disorders. While this may be enough to discredit the accuracy of such a term, adopted child syndrome has been used in court defenses as a means of reducing sentences for heinous crimes.

Use in the Courts

Over the decades, support has increased in utilizing adopted child syndrome as a serious and legitimate defense for violent crimes. Experts often cite the trauma of adoption and extreme fear of abandonment can lead to psychotic episodes where the culprit is not in a culpable state to make rational decisions. By mitigating culpability for the crimes, attorneys have been able to win cases for their defendants based on insanity pleas.

Serious Drawbacks

From a societal standpoint, we like to have a boxed answer that all aspects fit neatly into to minimize the complications associated with categorizing human behavior. Placing a label on adopted children to explain their every action and behavior can be very damaging to everyone involved. Life experiences, mainly trauma and abandonment, can explain the behaviors of many citizens involved in our criminal justice system. The term “adopted child syndrome” indicates that kids who were adopted are inherently angry, bitter, and prone to emotional outbursts. Even if this syndrome only affects one percent of the adopted population, the damage that can be done to the entire population is widespread. Prospective parents who were considering adopting a baby may now decide not to with the fear that their child will lash out unexpectedly and violently. Those who are worried about their child may jump to conclusions, calling up therapists and psychiatrists before the adoptee has a chance to defend himself.

Spreading Positivity

Placing a societal label on an individual can be a very damaging action. Adopted children are indeed at a higher risk of issues due to the nature of their early years (possible abuse, neglect, etc.), but using one term to explain any and all issues is not the right answer. Kids who go through divorce or the loss of a parent can be similarly traumatized, with no association to adoption whatsoever. Simply placing adoption as the center of blame helps nobody! One positive approach takes on each individual, learning about their pasts and positively preparing for the future.

Adoptive parents need to be prepared for and aware of any issues that their child is facing. It’s important to be your adopted child’s biggest supporter, communicating with them through tough times and standing up for them when the need arises. Many people in our society have a negative view on adoption, and as your child’s advocate, you will be tasked with both defending your kid while also educating others on the positives involved with the adoption process. Explaining a child’s behavior with a widespread, unfounded label can be a damaging prospect that does not help society’s view on the matter. The term “self-fulfilling prophecy” comes into play, where the prediction of a behavior helps to make that behavior true.

Children of all ages need love and support, and failing to foster a nurturing environment for them to thrive in can prove to be hazardous for the kid at the center of this lingering controversy. No matter the age, most children will struggle with their identity and fitting in with their new family. Being supportive and encouraging throughout your adopted child’s life will have a profound impact on everyone involved. Our domestic adoption process aims to deliver more babies in need into the arms of more welcoming families. A is 4 Adoption aims to improve the face of adoption through positive leadership and community guidance. Contact us today to learn more about our adoption process!

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