Birth date: June 2006
Ethno-Cultural Background: Hungarian/Caucasian
Take one look at this cute little guy, and you just want to give him a hug! Calvin is indeed a very cuddly, sweet, endearing boy who likes to play with Leggo, cars and other games typical of his age. He loves the great outdoors, going on camping trips and fishing with his foster parents. He is described as well behaved and likes to lend a hand with whatever chore is being done around the house.
Life for Calvin is not without its challenges, however! Calvin suffers from non-accidental brain injury resulting from physical abuse when he was two years old, making some new things tricky for him to learn. Calvin was also exposed to drugs and alcohol prenatally. He needs assistance with fastening zippers and buttons, and lots of repetition when learning new, fine motor skills. He has challenges with some gross motor skills such as balance, aiming and catching a ball. Calvin needs support to read social cues when interacting with his peers, but is making good progress in this area and is starting to initiate more play with his friends. He receives speech and occupational therapy and responds well to positive encouragement. He is keen to please! He listens well, is attentive, and answers questions with confidence.
Calvin is largely undeterred by his physical challenges and joins in with bike riding, climbing, or any other activity his school mates engage in. He likes having friends over and going for long walks with his foster family. While he is more shy and cautious with adults, once he gets to know and trust you he interacts well. His foster parents have learned that Calvin will withdraw if he becomes overwhelmed, so they use lots of patient repetition and good organizational routines to help Calvin stay on track. When you get a sweet smile from this fellow, it is so worth the extra work!
Calvin would do well with patient caregivers who are willing to spend time giving him extra help with his academics, fine motor skills, his speech, social skills and emotional regulation. He may need lifespan parenting as there are unknown future risks related to his brain injury. While he may do well with other children in his environment, he would not do well in a home with pets. Ongoing contact with some birth family members and foster family would be expected.
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