We are looking for a loving family for an adorable newborn boy named Kevin* who was born in April 2025 in New York City. After his birth Kevin was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Tetrasomy 18p and spent several weeks in the hospital NICU before he was ready for discharge. Kevin is currently being cared for at a specialized children’s rehabilitation facility where he is receiving therapy until his adoptive family can be identified.
At birth Kevin weighed 6 pounds 9.5 ounces, measured 20.4 inches in length, with a head circumference of 13.78 inches. His APGARS were 5 at 1 minute, and 9 at 5 minutes. Kevin was transferred to an affiliated hospital at two weeks old due to feeding issues and genetic testing was done.
Kevin was born with the following diagnoses:
Tetrasomy 18 p- Tetrasomy 18p is a chromosomal condition that affects many parts of the body. This condition usually causes feeding difficulties in infancy, delayed development, intellectual disability that is often mild to moderate but can be severe, changes in muscle tone, distinctive facial features, and other birth defects. However, the signs and symptoms vary among affected individuals.
Babies with tetrasomy 18p often have trouble feeding and may vomit frequently, which makes it difficult for them to gain weight. Some affected infants also have breathing problems and jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes.
Changes in muscle tone are commonly seen with tetrasomy 18p. Some affected children have weak muscle tone (hypotonia), while others have increased muscle tone (hypertonia) and stiffness (spasticity). These changes contribute to delayed development of motor skills, including sitting, crawling, and walking.
Hypotonia– hypertonicity-Hypotonia, also known as low muscle tone, is a condition characterized by decreased muscle resistance to passive movement.
Moderate VSD– A ventricular septal defect (VSD) is a congenital heart defect where there is a hole in the wall (septum) separating the two lower chambers of the heart (ventricles). This allows blood to flow from the left ventricle to the right ventricle, which can put extra strain on the heart and lungs
Oral dysphagia requiring thickening his formula- Oral dysphagia, a form of dysphagia, refers to difficulty swallowing due to issues in the mouth, particularly with the movement of the tongue and other mouth structures. It affects the ability to chew, prepare food for swallowing, and initiate the swallowing reflex. Oral dysphagia can result in food or liquid remaining in the mouth after swallowing, difficulty maintaining lip closure, or requiring extra time to chew or swallow.
Sacral dimple-A sacral dimple is a harmless indentation in the skin located on the lower back, typically just above the crease between the buttocks
Overlapping fingers
We encourage families to speak with their pediatrician as to his care and anticipated needs as he grows.
Description of child:
Kevin is described by his parents as a calm and quiet boy who loves to be held. He is responsive to human touch and voices and does not cry often. He smiles and is easily soothed with his pacifier. Kevin sometimes makes facial expressions like a frowning face or making an “o” shape with his mouth and communicates by making sounds like “oooooh, aaaaah, eeeeeeh”. When interacting with his parents Kevin waves his hands and kicks his legs. Kevin enjoys opening his hand and grasping a finger and also enjoys tummy time.
Adoption Plan:
Kevin’ s parents and extended family have been by his side since birth and want the best life for him. They wish to make an adoption plan through Spence-Chapin’s Special Needs Adoption Program and are open to all qualified and experienced families. They would like to see him placed with a loving family who will provide the one-on-one attention and care he needs and deserves to thrive. His parents would like to have an open adoption which would include in-person visits.
If you would like to be considered as a forever family through Spence-Chapin’s Domestic Special Needs Adoption Program, please submit our free Domestic Special Needs Adoption Pre-Application and upload a copy of your current home study (home visit completed within the past 12 months), conducted by a licensed adoption agency and upload a copy of you adoptive family profile. Families living anywhere in the United States are welcome to apply. We are unable to consider families that do not have a current home study, or a home study completed by an independent social worker.
*Name has been changed. In order to maximize the placement opportunities for Kevin, his birth parent has authorized Spence-Chapin Services to Families and Children to post this non-identifying description of him on the Waiting Children page of Spence-Chapin’s website.
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