GABRIEL from European Union

Gabriel was born in January 2009 and lived with his family of origin until November 2017. In this setting he experienced neglect and physical abuse. Since entering state care, he has lived in two different foster homes and currently resides in a group home. Gabriel has been diagnosed with moderate cognitive disability, attachment disorder, and disturbance of behavior. His birth mother struggles with similar conditions. Gabriel takes medications to help manage his mental and behavioral health and needs constant adult supervision. Gabriel is an active boy with well-developed gross motor and self-help skills. Despite a tendency to dominate other children, he is integrated with peers and maintains friendships to a certain extent. An impulsive and irritable teen, Gabriel is prone to verbal and physical aggression when his wishes go unfulfilled and often makes threats to peers during play. He may throw, hit, and break things during interactions with other children. He does not adhere to the order and discipline required in the group home setting. Currently a 6th grader, Gabriel works with a special education teacher on kindergarten level academics and has difficulty with maintaining focus and attention. He speaks with a limited vocabulary and poor grammar but can answer simple questions and carry out verbal instructions. Gabriel participates in conversation although he has a slow processing and response time and limited listening skills as well as a tendency to switch away from non-preferred topics. For this reason, his social communication with others tends to be one-sided and incomplete. Gabriel likes to draw, watch cartoons, and participate in events and celebrations at the group home and in the community. He shows curiosity, responds well to praise and encouragement, and has a positive attitude toward acquiring new skills. Experienced parents with no children younger than Gabriel in the home would be the best fit for this adoption.