July 3 2013

I had a response back from Dianna, the author of the blog post that mentioned the AEP Self Study Plus program:

Hi

Thanks for your email.  Unfortunately your appraisal of the situation is accurate.  The next Online AEP doesn’t begin until September and we are no longer offering the Self Study Plus, and as you have probably figured out, not much happens throughout the summer when it comes to MCFD processing paperwork.  I completely understand wanting to “hurry up and get on with it”, and perhaps while you wait for the Online AEP, this would be a good time to be doing some of your own research on common special needs such as attachment, trauma, FASD, grief and loss.

 

Would you like some suggestions on books to read, or websites to look for?  I would be happy to provide some of those for you.  What ages of children are you considering, and what types of special needs would you consider?

 

It was great to have  response back from her so quickly, and her offer to suggest resources was very much appreciated. To give her an idea of where we are at I replied with this:

 

Hello Dianna,

 

Thank you so much for your speedy response.  It's disappointing to hear that the Self Study Plus is no longer an option, but it doesn't come as a surprise. 

I am ALWAYS open to suggestions and recommendations when it comes to research. I've attached a document that shows the resources we're currently utilizing.  Recommendations of Books, Movies, Websites, Articles, TV shows, anything that you can think of that would be beneficial for us to know so that we'll be equipped to handle the needs of the children coming into our home, would be great.

We are considering sibling groups up to 4 kids, with an age range of 0-13.  At this time we aren't able to take on any children with severe disabilities or special needs.

Our biological son just turned two and our social worker suggested we look into information about adopting out of birth order, but we've been unable to find any resources specific to the subject. I've acquired the Birth Order Book by Kevin Leman, and I've spoken with Andrea Chatwin from A Child's Song about it (That was a great response, so I attached it here as well, though I did remove some of her personal story, as I don't feel it's my place to share it).

We have fertility issues, and a miscarriage in our past, and while we believe we would be able to conceive another biological child we've chosen to adopt instead - It's choice not a last resort. If you feel that any "adoption after infertility" resources would be applicable then please share them as well :)

 

The waiting is frustrating in part because I feel that the younger our son is the easier it will be for him being "displaced" in the family order, and in part because I worry about what our future children are going through right now.

Is the AEP still being offered in person in any of the regions, or will they all be online through the AFABC now?

 

Thank you so much for your time, and future suggestions - I very much appreciate it.

 

I attached a copy of Andrea's email because I really think it is a great response, so I'm sharing it with others, and I attached the four page document showing the research materials and resources that we have acquired.  Hopefully she will be able to provide some really great information to add to what we've already begun.