Choosing Adoption for a Child with Special Needs

Parenting a child with special needs can be challenging. Oftentimes, it requires access to resources that many parents either do not have or cannot afford. Left on their own with a lack of support, some parents begin to wonder if a better situation would give their child a better life. When this happens, their minds turn to “giving up” a special needs baby for adoption.

Is this the situation you have found yourself in? If you’re thinking about putting an autistic child up for adoption or “giving a child up” for adoption with Down syndrome, then this guide is for you.

You’re in an incredibly difficult situation that few others can truly relate to. We want to give you the information and resources you need to make things better, as well as help you understand the adoption process and what’s involved in putting a special needs child up for adoption.

Can You “Give a Special Needs Child Up” for Adoption?

Adoption can be a path to a better future for yourself and your child, under the right circumstances. It’s important to stop here and ask the question: Is putting a special needs child up for adoption the best path forward for you?

We say this not to discourage you, but because once an adoption is completed, it is irreversible. Adoption can create a beautiful journey, but it takes complete commitment from the start. Before getting into the details of how “giving your disabled child up” for adoption works, you should take all the time you need to be sure adoption is the best path forward.

If you are sure that your current family arrangement is not in the best interests of yourself or your child, and you believe that adoption is the best solution, then your next step is to reach out to an adoption agency. When you are “giving up a child” for adoption with Down syndrome, autism or other special needs, your agency is your most important partner. As we’ll discuss in detail below, you may need to find an agency that specializes in special needs adoption.

Once you have found an agency to work with, you’ll be able to choose the adoptive parents you think will be best for your child. Anyone considering “giving up” an autistic child for adoption (or a child with other special needs) only wants what is best for their child, and it is comforting to many to learn that you are in charge of choosing their adoptive parents.

Once the parents have been chosen, the agency will guide you on the steps needed to legally complete an adoption placement.

How Your Child’s Age Can Impact Adoption

You may have noticed that we said that adoption could be the right choice under the right circumstances. One detail that could make a difference in your circumstances is the age of your child.

Many adoption agencies specialize in working with women who choose adoption while they are pregnant. These agencies are typically capable of providing services for “giving up” a special needs baby for adoption when the child is a newborn or toddler.

However, many adoption agencies are not equipped with the right training, experience and resources to facilitate the placement of older children. If you’re wondering about “giving up” a child for adoption with Down syndrome or putting up an autistic child for adoption who is older, then you may need to find a specialized agency or look into other options besides adoption.

While every case is unique, and we never want to rule out adoption as an option for you, the general rule is that the older a child is, the less likely that a private adoption placement will be a solution. If you’re unsure of what this means for you, then the best thing to do is contact an adoption agency.

Agencies for Special Needs Adoption

If you’re thinking, “I want to give my autistic child up for adoption,” then you will need to find the right adoption agency. Agencies provide the services needed to complete an adoption — things like case management, counseling, matching services, contact mediation and post-placement support.

There are many agencies across the country, and you may want to consider contacting a national adoption agency that specializes in domestic infant adoption if you are placing a newborn.

However, if you are wondering how to “give up” an autistic child for adoption who is older, then you probably need to work with an agency that specializes in placing older children with special needs.

If you’re interested in learning more, consider contacting one of these agencies:

Considering Other Options

Parents choose adoption out of love. We know you want what is best for your child. Things must be very difficult at home if you’ve reached a place where you’re thinking, “Can I give my disabled child up for adoption?”

We know that other interventions may seem impossible in these moments. You’ve probably already tried things like counseling or behavior therapy. However, there are some situations where adoption isn’t the best option. If you find yourself in a situation like this, there can be hope from other sources.

While we can’t speak directly to the details of your situation, many parents of children with special needs have found relief from the following:

Contact Us Today

You can reach out at any time if you’d like to speak with an adoption professional. We’d be happy to connect you with an agency that can answer your questions about adoption in your situation.