Mitchell has a smile that lights up any room! Will you help us find his forever family?
Little Mitchell has a smile that lights up any room! This sweet boy just turned two in November and his nannies describe him as a child that is very attentive, pays attention to details, is determined and figures out ways to do things. He is very social and outgoing, but is also able to entertain himself when the nanny is busy with other children. He smiles back when smiled at and understands the nannies’ facial expressions. He can speak a few words, but his language is delayed. When he sees his familiar nanny, he will reach out to show that he wants a hug. He giggles loudly when playing with his peers and loves to play with balls, a rag doll, and particularly the football. He is very close to his nanny and has a strong bond with her and often gets upset when she has to pay attention to other children and not just him or feed other children first before him. He loves when the nanny talks to him and teases him. He enjoys riding on a wooden horse and is very cooperative with his therapists for rehabilitation training.
While Mitchell does not have a specific diagnosis in his file, his left elbow cannot bend and he has limited strength in his arms and legs as well as joint issues with his hands/wrist and has been undergoing extensive rehab training. They have seen good improvement in the use of his hands since undergoing rehab and he is now able to grasp more objects than before. His left hand has improved the most and can now grasp objects that are heavier. He compensates for the lack of strength/use of his hands/wrists by using his strong legs and feet and toes. His file notes so many examples of ways he has learned to play with objects or pick things up by using his feet and toes to grasp and pull items towards himself or to kick a ball, etc. He is a smart child and will use his feet to get toys out that have gone under the sofa and will use his feet and mouth to remove his socks when he wants them off. His file notes that while he has strength in his legs to perform certain tasks, he has low muscle tension and cannot walk yet and they are hopeful that with therapy this will improve. His file notes that he will scoot in order to get from place to place. He is very determined to do the same things as other children, even though he has some limitations at this time. The nannies have been amazed at the ways he has learned to compensate and accomplish the same tasks as other children.
His file is extremely detailed with a lot of wonderful developmental information and benchmarks and any family interested in reviewing his file can be connected with individuals who have visited his orphanage. This little guy could likely reach many milestones if given the opportunity, and will likely need additional ongoing rehabilitation therapy in addition to any other treatments his doctors recommend. His is an AWAA orphanage partner file and a family in any stage or even considering adoption would be eligible to consider his adoption.
To learn more about him, please visit our China Waiting Children webpage.
If your family is interested in learning more about adoption or considering an adoption from China, please contact our China staff at China@awaa.org for more information. Families can view our China Waiting Children Webpage for more information on children currently available and waiting for families.
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