Post-Adoption Stress and Support Needs of Families Relative to Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Disability: A Parent Survey

Existing occupational therapy literature focuses on sensory and developmental needs for newly adopted children but has not considered the ongoing needs of adoptive families from a disability studies perspective. This study surveyed adoptive families with minor children about their post-adoption stress and support needs (N = 127). Findings indicated elevated rates of neurodevelopmental disorders and associated stress related to finding and affording supports that are adoption and trauma-informed, and adjusting to changing needs over time. Support for adoptive families includes education, advocacy, and direct intervention, supporting family member's changing needs over time, and navigating but not fixing many support needs.