Photolisting Profile for Somalia

Somalia

Age:15
Gender:F
State:Texas
Disabilities:

Emotional: Moderate
Physical: Severe
Medical: Moderate
Developmental: Severe

Description

Somalia, who is called "Molly," is a special little girl up against many developmental, physical and medical challenges. She has a sweet personality and readily shows affection. Molly smiles, laughs, and likes to cuddle. She prefers to be around adults to other children. She likes free play and is particularly interested in toys that make music and have bright lights. Molly can walk yet sometimes uses a wheelchair when necessary. Somalia has established a bond with her foster family members. She has been in this home for seven years. She is often clingy to the adults in the home. When Somalia gets moody, she tends to isolate herself by going to another room away from all others in the home. When over-stimulated or agitated, Somalia hits herself. Because of this, the caregiver often puts a glove on Somalia's left hand. Somalia was born without a right arm, but she is able to compensate for this loss very well due to her flexibility. Somalia gets particularly agitated when she is interacting with physicians. The caregiver reports that Somalia enjoys listening to music and that she takes her out on one-on-one outings on occasion to CiCi's Pizza. Somalia eats well. Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets, French fries, vegetables and chocolate. The caregiver also spends time doing flashcards with Somalia and reports that although "Molly" is legally blind, she is responsive. She is able to express herself by saying Give me a hug, Hi Hi , I love you and Mom Mom. The caregiver plays classical music which helps to calm her down and engages her in participating in yoga. Molly is hydrocephalic. She is severely visually impaired, has nerve impairment of her hearing, and has http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Adoption_and_Foster_Care/About_Our_Children/Disabilities/cerebral_palsy.asp She must have constant supervision. Molly 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 at these times.

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