In this episode of The Adoption Roadmap Podcast, Rebecca Gruenspan sits down with an adoptee and adoptive mother who bravely shares her deeply personal journey navigating mental health within adoption. From uncovering her own biological family's history of schizophrenia to supporting her son's mental health challenges, she sheds light on the realities of genetics, environment, and early intervention.
Together, they discuss why love alone isn’t always enough, how genetic predispositions can manifest, and the crucial role of early mental health support. Rebecca and her guest explore practical resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), early intervention programs, and neuropsychological testing, offering hopeful adoptive parents the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
Important Links
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Take the “Are You Ready to Adopt?” Quiz
⏰ Chapters
00:00 Intro: Why Mental Health in Adoption Matters
02:14 Growing Up with Parents with Mental Illness
04:39 Parentification: When Kids Become Caregivers
07:05 Discovering Her Birth Family’s Schizophrenia Diagnosis
11:18 Deciding Between Biological vs. Adopted Children
16:07 Early Intervention: ADHD, Anxiety & Neuropsych Testing
22:34 The Role of Genetic Predisposition in Mental Health
30:01 Schizophrenia vs. Schizoaffective Disorder Explained
37:00 Adolescent Marijuana Use & Mental Health Risks
42:50 Balancing Parenting a Neurodiverse & Neurotypical Child
49:17 How NAMI’s Support Groups Help Families Thrive
56:14 Advice for Hopeful Adoptive Parents Considering Mental Health Diagnoses
Tune in to The Adoption Roadmap Podcast every Wednesday and Friday morning. If you like what you hear, I’d appreciate a follow and a 5-star rating & review! 💙 THANK YOU!
For adoption questions, episode suggestions, or to appear as a guest, email support@rgadoptionconsulting.com.
