Couple receives backlash after they “rehomed” their adopted son with autism

Couple receives backlash after they “rehomed” their adopted son with autism

Many people felt it was very harsh for the parents to give away the little boy just because of his medical condition. 

Myka Stauffer and her husband James Stauffer
Myka Stauffer and her husband James Stauffer / YouTube screenshot

A couple from Ohio in the United States has been criticised after they revealed that they rehomed their adopted son, Huxley, because he suffers from autism.

Youtuber Myka Stauffer and her husband James told their followers that they could no longer care for Huxley (4) because he has autism.

The boy was adopted by the family in 2017. He comes from China. 

READ: Adoption Body focuses on the magic of the right fit on World Adoption Day

“Once Huxley came home, there was a lot more special needs that we weren’t aware of and that we were not told,” said James.

“So over the past few years Huxley has been in numerous therapies to try and help him with all his needs and over the last year has been a more intense therapy that he has been into to try and help him as much as possible with his severe needs," he added.

The parents said they just couldn’t care for the little boy anymore.

“After multiple medical assessments, after multiple evaluations, numerous medical professionals felt that he needed a different fit and that his medical needs, he needed more,” said Myka.

“We have never wanted to be in this position. We have been trying to get his needs met and help him out as much as possible," said James before breaking into tears.

“We truly love him,” they said. 

READ: Adoptive parents could legally be able to 'return' adopted children


Their legal team defended their decision. They released a statement which has been published by People magazine.

"Since his adoption, they consulted with multiple professionals in the healthcare and educational arenas in order to provide Huxley with the best possible treatment and care. Over time, the team of medical professionals advised our clients it might be best for Huxley to be placed with another family."

The couple has received a lot of backlash on social media. 

"I’m sorry but you did fail as a mum. You wouldn’t have given up your own child," Grace Wheller wrote.

"Part of me is angry that you gave up on him and did not commit to him like he was your biological child. If this was one of your blood children I don’t think you would have felt the same way. Another part of me feels heartbroken for you and how I know what it feels like to fail as a mother when your child is special needs. But even though we fail we get back up and do whatever we can for our children. Through good times and bad. I know you are probably getting a lot of hate from this which makes you feel horrible but at the end of the day this is your life and your family and you have to do what is best for them," wrote one user, Ashley Baker.

"I feel so sad he will feel so painful that his family will leave him , he will feel like no one loves him or will except him this will stays in his heart and mind forever wish that you didn't take him before and made him used to you and love u he will miss all the love you gave him," another user said. 

READ: Lockdown puts hold on adoptions in KZN

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Image courtesy of YouTube screenshot

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