AMES from European Union

Ames was born prematurely from a twin pregnancy in July 2014 and, after a difficult neonatal course, lived with his family of origin until 11 months of age. Since that time, he has been in orphanage care. Ames has a history of frequent respiratory infections and has been diagnosed with spastic cerebral palsy, strabismus, and congenital clubfoot. His development is significantly delayed. Update September 2022: Loving and lively, Ames is currently in relatively good physical health although he needs glasses and requires surgery to correct his clubfeet. Ames attempts to stand and cruise with support, but without the surgery it is not possible for him to succeed. He has a strong upper body, enters and exits his wheelchair independently, and maneuvers on his own in familiar environments. Ames feeds himself and prefers a vegetarian diet of regular table food. He wears diapers. Ames enjoys the company of other children and actively seeks attention from adults. He can show jealousy and become upset when another child receives the attention that he himself desires so desperately. Ames participates in physical therapy and works with a psychologist but has not yet received any formal education. He does not have safety or risk assessment skills and is quite vulnerable without adult assistance. Ames needs proper medical care, targeted therapies, and academic intervention under the wings of a devoted family to reach his full potential. 2021: Ames can sit unassisted, army-crawl, stand with support, and move himself around in a wheelchair. He also takes steps when holding on to a stable support. He needs constant supervision to ensure his safety and requires assistance with all tasks of daily living, including feeding and toileting. Ames is a calm and radiant boy who shows a variety of emotions, including joy and jealousy. He speaks a very limited number of single words and carries out simple instructions. Ames observes the goings-on in his environment and interacts well with adults and children. He makes good eye contact and responds to being called by name. Ames focuses on items and activities of interest and likes playing with stuffed animals, building blocks, and in the ball pit. When given the individual attention he craves, Ames shows an increased liveliness and laughs out loud. He has formed an attachment to a preferred caretaker.