Adoption has a process. But can someone with Tourette adopt?
Here we look at the possibility, and how much this differs from country to country.
Like Tourette, adoption is assessed on a case by case basis.
Although severity may affect the chances of someone adopting, it is not a disqualifying factor.
Some people have tics that go unnoticed. Some adults have tics that are debilitating.
Mild tics should not be a reason to prevent the ability to adopt. More severe, frequent tics may be a reason to prevent adoption if tics are prone to cause injury or affect parenting.
The question is a difficult one due to the wide range of ways that Tourette manifests.
In the USA, Travel.State.Gov describes various requirements to adopt, including age, being a US citizen and that:
“You must meet certain requirements that will determine your suitability as a prospective adoptive parent, including criminal background checks, fingerprinting, and a home study.”
There isn’t a mention of having a disability, so having a medical condition doesn’t seem to be an immediate disqualification.
In the UK, AdoptionUK says the following on their page ‘Who can adopt?‘
“People who are single, gay, living in rented accommodation and already have children can all adopt. Disabilities and health conditions do not automatically rule you out.”
In the UK, more good news as disabilities and health conditions don’t rule out adoption.
Many people with Tourette's won't even have a diagnosis
Some people seeking to adopt won’t have a Tourette diagnosis, despite mild tics. Many of these people will go on to adopt without issues.
If tics don’t present a problem, adoption with Tourette’s shouldn’t either. Even if tics do present a problem, it doesn’t rule out adoption, but would have to be assessed at the time.
As AdoptionUK put it:
“The most important thing is that you are able to be patient, flexible and resilient and can provide a child with love, time and commitment.”
If someone adopts these qualities, having Tourette shouldn’t matter all that much.