title: International adoptions: myths and realities.
abstract: Internationally adopted children come from high risk environments that differ significantly from those of children born and raised in the United States. This can impact their developmental and parenting needs. Aware adoptive parents can do many things to lessen the effects of a highly deprived early start to life and encourage optimal development. However, preconceived ideas and myths about adoption often stand in the way of parental desires to provide the best for their newly adopted child. Pediatric nurses aware of these common myths can educate and support adoptive parents in the early identification of potential concerns and in addressing and ameliorating them. Preparation, planning, and use of professional resources, as needed, can assist parents in supporting the child's development and in achieving successful integration of the internationally adopted child into their new family.
authors.affiliation: International Adoption Center, Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children, Fairfax, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Narad
authors.forename: Patrick W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Mason
mesh_terms: D000300:Adoption / Q000523:psychology; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D002657:Child Development; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006293:Health Promotion; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007255:Information Services; D020407:Internet; D008149:Love; D020380:Needs Assessment; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009769:Object Attachment; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010290:Parents / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000379:methods; D011203:Poverty / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support