Photolisting Profile for Dakoda

Dakoda is a 12-year-old boy from Texas who is hoping to be adopted.

Dakoda is an energetic child who enjoys watching TV as well as playing with his toy trucks and tractors. Dakoda also enjoys being outdoors playing on the swingset and swiming. He has been developing the patience to work on puzzles and listen to a book being read to him. Dakoda is a very happy and loving child, yet he functions at a much younger age level. He communicates and makes his needs known by pointing. Although he unable to have conversations, he is able to say 2 or 3 word phrases such as "hello" and will raise his hand in greeting. Dakoda is able to say basic words of things that he enjoys, such as eat, truck, car or tractor. His other progress includes being able to use utensils and he is able to make eye contact with people. He has good motor skills and enjoys his physical education class. Dakoda is receiving occupational, physical and speech therapy. He is easily distracted and at times whines when he does not get his way. Although he is limited in some skills, he tries really hard. Dakoda needs constant supervision. Dakoda is adventurous and does not seem to have fears of anything. He can be somewhat forceful with animals at times. He enjoys going to school. He enjoys meal times and baths. He has siblings who will be placed separately.

Dakoda will need to be placed with a strong, stable, structured family, preferrably with parenting experience. Due to Dakoda's numerous special needs, he needs encourgagement to learn new motor skills and exercising. An adoptive family will also need to continue working with Dakoda on basic skills living, social skills, basic re-direction and following simple one-step directions.