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ABSTRACT
This paper describes research investigating maternal adjustment to parenthood via special needs and non–special needs adoption from China. China's adoption system has a program for adoption of children with special needs and those without and both have remained top sources for intercountry adoption. Participants were 46 women who were surveyed at six weeks before, six weeks after, and six months after adopting a child. The psychological functioning of mothers adopting from China was assessed using the Beck Depression Index, the Brief Symptom Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scales. Mothers adopting children without special needs reported higher levels of depression, anxiety, and adjustment problems at clinical levels six weeks following the adoption. Mothers adopting children with special needs reported positive adjustment and low psychological dysfunction at all three time points. These results suggest that mothers pursuing a non–special needs adoption route are at greater risk for adjustment and psychological difficulties post-adoption. Mothers adopting special needs children may be better prepared prior to the adoption and may receive more support after returning home.