There are genetic abnormalities that typically cause sterility in men. One of these genetic abnormalities is called Klinefelter syndrome, I wrote about the syndrome here. “Does Your Adopted Son Have an Extra X Chromosome?” Feel free to read about the syndrome by following the link before you read this article if you would like. Most men who have an extra X chromosome never know about it and do not develop the syndrome. Those who do develop the syndrome will most likely be sterile as adults. Obviously, as your son’s adoptive parents, you will be aware of this information early on, if your son has the syndrome. At some point, you may feel like you are keeping a secret from your adopted son. So, when should you tell him that he is sterile? That he will not be able to have birth children of his own.

I had never thought about this question until the other day when I came across it in my research. One of my best friends has an adopted son, now 10 years old, with Klinefelter syndrome. Obviously, the time is getting closer for her to tell her son. But, what is the right time to tell him? Do you touch on it periodically while he is growing, even when he is too young to understand? This is how many people approach the subject of adoption. That way the child grows up always knowing. The adoptive parents don’t have to choose a time to drop the bombshell, figuratively speaking.

Do you wait until your child is old enough to understand the significance of your words? Of course, this would be your judgment call. However, if your child were eight years old, for example, would he share the information with friends? He may later regret sharing this information, especially if peers ostracize him. Therefore, even though he may be old enough to understand the information, he may be too young to realize that it should be confidential.

Do you tell him as he is going through puberty? This might be as good a time as any to share the information with your son. Obviously, as a teenager he would understand the significance and the confidentiality. Teenagers always struggle to fit in, and avoid pointing out their differences. However, it is also an emotional and difficult time as they experience body, hormone, and processing changes. Obviously, you need to tell your son before he begins seriously dating. He needs to share this information with any potential life mate before making a lifetime commitment. Do you have any thoughts?




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