Editor's Note: Window on the Clearwater has joined the Wednesday's Child network to help spread the word about children that are waiting for families to give them the loving care that they need. Each Wednesday we will profile a different child. For more information about Wednesday's Child and how you can be involved check the web site at: http://www.idahowednesdayschild.org/.

Jayden

Age: 6

Profile and Portrait provided by NWAE

If you are a nurturing couple (or single parent!) who have a good understanding of the daily needs of children with developmental delays, and who have enjoyed interacting and working with such children in some capacity, you will want to learn more about Jayden. Jayden is very loving and affectionate, and despite having some symptoms characteristic of autism, he loves hugs and kisses. He also has a great smile and loves to laugh. Toy trains, Hot Wheels, and other mechanical toys are some of his favorite playthings. He also loves to swim and watch his favorite movie - Polar Express.

Structure, routine, and having a caring adult nearby to supervise and to prompt and redirect him when needed are essential components of helping Jayden meet the challenges of his special needs at school and at home. Jayden, who qualifies for Developmental Disability Services, is in kindergarten with in a special program focused on academic, speech/language, and social development and building life skills. While Jayden can use two-word sentences, he is not yet talking much. For now, much of his communication is through gesturing and signing. Jayden enjoys going to school. Jayden is at his most cooperative when parents, teachers, and caregivers take the time to explain to him calmly, clearly, and concretely what the rules and expectations are for him prior to participating in an activity or outing.

A very active youngster, Jayden needs his parents and others to find healthy outlets to direct his energy. Jayden's daily routine needs to be organized in ways that keep him busy with structured activities that are well supervised. He may need redirection or prompts, such as "play nicely!" and "take those toys out of your mouth!" Like many children his age, Jayden likes things his way and will sometimes test the house rules. He can also dig his heels in and be strong willed when thwarted. While Jayden at times interacts with other kids, he most often chooses to play alongside them or to play alone. For now, Jayden also needs to be reminded to use the restroom as he is not completely potty trained.

When Jayden entered foster care in early 2010, he was placed with his paternal grandma and grandpa where he remains today. Jayden's relationships with his grandparents and with his paternal uncle are very affectionate, and he has formed attachments with them. His grandparents make sure Jayden sees his uncle often. Jayden occasionally sees his half brother (the boys have the same mother); he also has a maternal grandmother and great grandmother.

General recruitment is underway for Jayden because there are no family members able to provide a permanent home for him. As Jayden is not yet legally free, interested families need to be licensed for foster care and have an approved and current adoption homestudy.

Although Jayden's caseworker is primarily looking for a two-parent family, she does not want to miss out on hearing from those skilled and creative single moms and dads who have strong support systems of family and friends. Jayden's adoptive parent(s) need to have lots of time, attention, and love to give to this darling boy. And of course, they need to be strong advocates for the developmental and educational services in their community that will help him to realize his full potential. Being willing to maintain openness with Jayden's paternal grandparents will be important in helping him be successful in his adoptive family.

To find out more about Jayden, adoption or becoming a foster parent, email the Idaho CareLine (Please include your zip code and city.) or call 1-800-926-2588. Jayden are available for adoption through the State of Oregon.

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