text: is there anything different you need to differently with an adoptive child then with your own? my parents are adopting a 16 year old boy, who was taken out of his house that he formally lived in for abuse; and a few other things i guess. is there anything we (my parents) should do differently? well if he was abused then he will be shy, and may even have a short temper... these are completely normal. your parents need to use complete patience. he could be really traumatized, and have a hard time trusting people. since his own parents abused him. so don't expect to much from him right away (ex. openness, willingness to freely communticate with you, and trust) just make sure that you go slow. he grew up with abusive parents. and now he is going to live in a family of strangers, as far as he know you are no different. (not saying you will abuse him! it's just all he's ever known) he will need more attention than other kids. but don't hound him with questions, it's a fresh wound. take things slowly. like when you first meet him just sy " hi my name is _____" give him time to reply but don't pressure him to. show him where he will sleep and give him a little more time to register it. show him around and only take things in little peices. he won't want to run before he can walk.                     so i hope i helped.