Elijah

Age: 11 years old

ID#: 9263A

Elijah, born in 2010, is a loving child. Although Elijah cannot communicate his feelings in words, he shows affection with leaning against his caregiver, giving a hug, or smile. When Elijah wants a kiss, he simply pats his cheek and his caregivers are happy to oblige! When he needs assistance or direction, he communicates by holding out his hand. Elijah loves to play! He is able to play alongside other children and enjoys sensory stimulating toys such as playdoh, sand, and water. He also loves to play with train tracks and Legos.

Elijah is doing well in school and is very intelligent. He can cut with scissors, draw lines, and can sort colors. Elijah is diagnosed with Autism and is non-verbal. He has exhibited aggressive behaviors such as hitting, kicking, screaming, and yelling in the past. He has sensory and food sensitivities and is linked with the Interdisciplinary Feeding Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Elijah has seizures and is linked with the Neurology Clinic at Nationwide Children's Hospital. Elijah is linked with Developmental Disabilities. Elijah has an Individualized Education Plan and is placed in a Multi-Handicap classroom where they are working on developing his social skills and ability to communicate. Elijah's adoptive family will need to be open to working with a wide variety of service providers to address Elijah's special needs. They should be open to frequent clinic visits, medical and school appointments, and be willing to provide lifelong care to Elijah if needed.

He is bonded and attached to his younger brother, Kurtis, and the two should be considered for placement together. Elijah's maternal and paternal family history is significant for a wide variety of health problems, and mental health disorders including hypertension, CPD, diabetes, anxiety, learning disabilities, and schizophrenia.

To adopt Elijah or any other child with special needs, please contact Adopt America Network at 1-800-246-1731 or email us at adoption@adoptamericanetwork.org. We’re waiting to hear from you.