“Why do you want to adopt?”

This was the question my husband asked me the evening we were grappling with the final decision to begin our first adoption process of our son with albinism. Our hearts had already been smitten, yet I was still asking those “what-if” questions. I know, I know, it’s normally the husbands holding out, and mine went from 0-100 in a weekend! I was hovering in the 95% sure range. Being the over-thinker that I am, I was still trying to cover all the unknown bases before signing on the dotted line, as if that is possible in the wonderful, uncertain, step-of-faith journey that adoption is!

Four years later, I am now a mom of six—three biological teenage sons and three adopted children from China, each with the special need of albinism, yet simply special! My nest is now full and I have the privilege of advocating for some precious waiting children.

Jason is an 11½ year-old Chinese boy with fair skin, white ("bleached-blond") hair and beautiful blue eyes! Jason’s special need is albinism. I can testify, along with other adoptive parents, that the lower vision that accompanies this special need is completely manageable. Jason needs a family.

Jason has been described as both introverted and outgoing. Perhaps it varies depending on his circumstances! He gets along well with others and enjoys helping other children. At the age of 8 he shared that he enjoys the game of badminton and aspires to be a car driver when he grows up. He initiates hugs with caregivers with open arms and a smile!

There is a term in Jason’s file that translated, “marginal intelligence.” What does that mean? I know that I wanted to know more as an advocate, as would naturally any prospective parent. So let’s chat about it. I pored over his file and interview with a caregiver and this is what I found.

First, his file at age 6 states that his physical and intellectual development is “normal.” (Yes, that caused me to scratch my head.) Then I noticed that the file states he was buttoning his clothes at the age of 24 months. Hmmm…my three-year-old has not accomplished that and it appears that is a normal developmental milestone for a 3-4yo. There were many other impressive developmental milestones recorded with no explanation in the file as to why that term is listed next to albinism.

Next, something caught my eye...an IQ score of 76. Immediately I googled and realized that number was so close to 80 which is in the average range. I then recalled that, although my children with albinism have not received an IQ test, they have been evaluated developmentally by a psychologist who had no concerns. My children are very smart, yet part of their testing was visually-based...and the professional said this type of testing was not fair to a child with low vision because it doesn't represent an honest reporting.

Lastly, I reviewed information and a video from the WACAP adoption agency from 2011 in which staff visited the orphanage, interviewed children and watched a performance by the kids. When asked about Jason’s mental development, the caregiver replied that he is “slightly” delayed compared to other children. Why? Two reasons were stated. “Sometimes it takes him a ‘little’ longer to answer questions than the other children.” Could it be because, according to his file, he is introverted, timid and shy? (I have a child like this who is also a deep thinker and in group settings is rarely the first to raise his hand!) Also stated was that he has trouble with his homework “at times.” Could it be because he needs glasses and his homework enlarged to succeed—a simple solution in educating a child with lower vision? (My children use a Kindle and a magnifier that was provided by our State.)

During this interview, Jason was asked several questions which he answered intelligently with a smile. One of the last questions he was asked was this: “Do you have any questions about the U.S.A.?” He smiled sheepishly and asked if there were any “fángzi” which is to say, “Are there any houses?” (Oh my heart!)

Later on, Jason and his friends performed in what appeared to be an extravagant choreographed theatrical performance. Jason looked both talented and amazing!

Remember my “what-if” questions referenced in our adoption decision? Well, mental development was one of the big ones and any prospective family needs to make a decision based on worst-case scenarios. The follow-up questions I’ve had do not prove or disprove a cognitive need. But either way, my heart hurts that this statement might be a turning point away from a family. Either way, Jason needs a family and would be a blessed addition!

The decision is yours. As for me, why did I want to adopt a precious boy from China with the special need of albinism with limited information in his file? My answer was a heart-felt and simple one that resulted in complete peace. “He needs a Mom.” …and “I want to be a Mom again.” The End!

Jason needs a family. Could yours be his?

Click on the Vimeo video link below to view a gallery of photos & video. Password: Jason

WACAP is offering a $4,000 grant towards Jason's adoption expenses for eligible families using WACAP. Also there is a growing grant on Reeces Rainbow.

Jason is on the shared list at the CCCWA and any adoption agency can process his adoption. Please feel welcome to contact me with any questions to learn more about the special need of albinism or adoption from China at KristinCalhoun@outlook.com

My personal friend in advocacy is Annie Hamlin, International Adoption Advocate with Lifeline Children's Services. Annie specializes in special needs and older child adoption and welcomes communication for more information about adopting from China or to help families review the adoption file for Jason. Email Annie at Annie.Hamlin@lifelinechild.org