Adopted child syndrome (ACS) is a term coined by some experts to describe the psychological and emotional issues adopted children experience. If the condition is not addressed on time, it may lead to other disorders, such as developmental delays, drug abuse, or attachment issues. Therefore, parents should watch the physical and behavioral signs that indicate an ACS and try to find out the cause behind it. Through the integration of love, support, and affection, adopted children may be able to overcome these emotions. It is important to note that the concept of adopted child syndrome is not universally accepted, and its clinical validity remains debated. Nonetheless, understanding its implications can help adoptive families navigate the emotional challenges associated with adoption. Read on the post to understand more about ACS, its causes, symptoms, effects, things you can do to avoid the condition.

3. Differences in ethnicity:

If the adopted family is from a different origin than the adoptee, the child could find it difficult to adjust. Their color, race, practices may all be different. For instance, if an American family adopts an Asian origin child, the cultural differences would be so profound that the adoptee may grow up with identity issues which are especially pertinent within the teenage phase when the identity is being formed.

4. Alcohol and drug abuse:

As teenagers, adopted children could get drawn to alcohol and drug abuse, in the absence of proper care from their adoptive parents. If the biological parents have a history of substance use, and the environment in the adopted family is not cordial, the risk of adoptees getting addicted doubles.

Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics director Kenneth Kendler says: “For an adoptee, having a biological parent with drug abuse who did not raise you doubles your risk for drug abuse.”

“But we also found an important role for environmental factors. If you have an adoptive sibling – with whom you have no genetic relationship – develop drug abuse that also doubles your risk for drug abuse. A bad environment can augment the effect of genetic risk for drug abuse.”

1. PLACE attitude:

Attachment psychologist Dan Hughes has come up with the acronym PLACE, which stands for being playful, loving, accepting, curious, and empathic to your adopted kid.

Playful: Be playful with the child as this would help them realize their self-worth and relax. Fill in your free-time with some games or fun activities with the kid.

Playfulness also includes a simple ruffling of their hair, winking at them, cracking a joke, or smiling at them. This can reassure the child about your love.

Loving: You should be the first person to bring love into the relationship and your adopted child will eventually follow you. Understand that they are too young and frightened to adjust to the environment instantly.

Hold their hand, hug them, have a sweet talk, and show them that you care for them. Give them time to understand you and build faith in you.

Accepting: Accept the child the way they are. That is the first step to mold them in the way you want.

Share your expectations gradually, after they settle down in your family.

Curious: When your child does something unacceptable, do not admonish them immediately. Instead, be curious to know why they did that. Let them know your curiosity by asking questions aloud. It will help them in understanding their mistake, and give them the confidence to talk to you about it.

Empathic: Empathize with your child. If they are finding it difficult to read or write, tell them that you understand their difficulty. Help them learn the lessons, instead of getting furious or disappointed with them. But empathy needs to be genuine and not flippant.

5. Build self-esteem:

Self-esteem can be low in adopted children. Develop self-esteem by making them feel important. Appreciate their new milestones, and applaud them for their achievements. Build them up, make them feel confident.