Photolisting Profile for Somalia

Somalia is a 17-year-old girl from Texas who is hoping to be adopted.

Somalia has a sweet personality and readily shows affection. She enjoys laughing and cuddling. She prefers to be around adults to other children. She likes free play and is particularly interested in baby dolls, legos and toys that make music and have bright lights. Somalia, who is called "Molly", has developed a bond with and often stays near her caregivers. When Molly needs too she will isolate herself by sitting alone or going to another room away from others. Molly needs more assistance than other children to help her calm down at times. She eats well and has a hardy appetite. Molly enjoys going to CiCi's pizza. Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets, French fries, vegetables and chocolate. Somalia is able to express herself by saying "Hi Hi", "Bye", "I love you", "Mom Mom" and "thank you". As a loving child she interacts well with adults and will smile and say hello. Somalia's ability to engage others has improved. She enjoys listening to soft music (nursery rhymes) and has an interest in Legos. She likes to play with her doll which she has named "baby". Somalia is a child fully interested in the world around her and who often delights in new experiences. Her face glows when introduced to new things and she sometimes squeals with excitement. She has a quiet disposition but is very loving. She has a wonderful smile that will light up anyone's day. Somalia is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Hydrocephaly. She was born without a right arm, but is able to compensate for this loss very well due to her flexibility. Molly can walk yet sometimes uses a wheelchair when necessary. Due to her challenges Somalia's communication skills are limited but she is able to say short sentences. Somalia has made progress in communication and now speaks over 100 words. She also needs more help than other children with daily living tasks.

A forever family will be capable of managing Somalia's special needs. The family will have the desire and ability to fully commit to promoting the process of Somalia becoming as independent as she can be prior to adulthood.