Birth Date: September 2004
Ethno-Cultural Background: First Nations (Sliammon Aboriginal Community) and other
Once he becomes comfortable with people and situations, it is apparent that Cole is a sweet and charming boy with a happy nature. He loves all things truck related (real or toy) and can entertain himself for hours with toy trains and planes, using all the appropriate sound effects! He is also a helpful and caring child. He likes to assist his foster parents with gardening and often comes home from school with a sticker awarded for his considerate behaviour.
School is not an issue for this little guy. He bounds out of the door in the morning with enthusiasm. He attends full day school, also before-school and after-school programs, where he keeps up with age appropriate activities without the need for much extra help. He interacts well with his peers and in small groups but can become overwhelmed in larger, more complex social situations. Cole does best in an environment that provides familiar routines, structure and firm boundaries. He adjusts to changes well if there are slow and gradual transitions.
Cole has been in foster care since birth. He needs a permanent family that can help him cope with the challenges life will send his way. In 2008 Cole was diagnosed with Autism but he is a fairly typically developing child with autistic tendencies. His future adoptive family will need to be familiar with the implications of Autism Spectrum Disorder but prepared for a child who is functioning at a very high level and who is achieving success in all areas of his life. He will be reassessed in 2012. It is believed that Cole was prenatally exposed to alcohol and drugs, but so far it is unknown if, or how, this will affect his future development.
The delightful little boy offers a wonderful opportunity for the adoptive parents who wish to share his life and enjoy his achievements. Although there are some delays and challenges that his family will need to explore with him, Cole has a spunky, optimistic outlook and is making tremendous progress. His new family should be willing to help him establish and maintain connections with his Aboriginal heritage and consider some openness with members of his birth family.
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