Embracing the Emotional Journey of Adoption
Understanding Adoption is dedicated to enlightening and supporting individuals through compassionate insights and guidance — with the adoptee at the heart of it all. We strive to demystify adoption, promote understanding, and foster a supportive community, highlighting the transformative journey it offers.
Behind The Blog
Ashley Dexter
Adoptee
“Adoption is often considered taboo and misunderstood, yet it is necessary, even if it’s not always ideal. It’s a gift that comes with both joy and hurt, and it’s time to open up the conversation so that we can support and heal everyone affected by it.”
My Story
Welcome to Understanding Adoption,
Adoption is at the core of who I am. I was adopted as an infant, and for as long as I can remember, adoption has shaped how I see myself, how I navigate relationships, and even how I mother my own child. But adoption isn’t just a single event-it’s a lifelong journey, one that has been both beautiful and heartbreaking.
Growing up, I often felt like parts of my story were missing or that I wasn’t allowed to ask certain questions. The complexities of adoption-the grief, the identity struggles, the quiet, unspoken pain-were rarely acknowledged. I was expected to feel only gratitude, but inside, I carried so much more.
Now, as a mother, I see adoption through an entirely new lens. I understand just how deeply it influences every stage of life.
That’s why I created this blog-to give adoptees, birth families, and adoptive parents a place where these realities can be spoken out loud. Where the conversation doesn’t stop at happily ever after, but dives into what happens after the papers are signed, after the child grows up, after the questions begin.
Background:
I spent my first month of life in foster care before being adopted through a closed adoption. I grew up with an older adopted sibling, and later, I discovered biological siblings I had never known existed. Each part of my story added new layers to my understanding of adoption-what it means to belong, to search for identity, and to hold space for both loss and love.
This blog isn’t just about my story, though
—it’s about our stories. The ones that don’t always get told. The ones that don’t fit neatly into the traditional adoption narrative. If you’ve ever felt like your voice was missing in the conversation about adoption, you’re in the right place.
My Hobbies:
Other than spending time with my beautiful children and amazing husband — I enjoy writing, illustrating, painting, and exploring the outdoors. I have many strong passions and this blog is one of them. Thank you for coming on this journey of understanding adoption with me.
Beyond my passion for adoption education and advocacy, l’m a wife, a mother, a writer, an artist, and an adventurer at heart.
When I’m not writing, you’ll find me illustrating, painting, or exploring the outdoors with my family.
I’m so grateful you’re here. Let’s dive into the real, raw, and beautiful truth of adoption together.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals and families to make informed, thoughtful decisions and receive support throughout the adoption journey. We aim to simplify the complexities of adoption, create a space of empathy and understanding, and foster a community where the adoptee’s voice is always heard. Through in-depth research, resources, personal stories, expert advice, and a welcoming community we hope to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and validate the impactful power of adoption.
OUR VALUES
Compassion
We approach adoption with care and understanding, valuing the emotional depth of the adoptee’s experience and recognizing the challenges faced by all involved.
Inclusivity
We aim to represent all voices, with a special emphasis on the adoptee’s, recognizing that each adoption story is unique, valuable and deserving of respect.
Education
We are committed to providing accurate, well-researched, and accessible information that empowers adoptees and all those involved in adoption to make informed decisions.
Support
We offer a nurturing, nonjudgmental space for adoptees and everyone involved to find guidance, comfort, and emotional support on their journey.
Respect
We honor the dignity of each individual’s adoption experience while respecting privacy and personal choices.
Transparency
We strive to be honest, openly discussing the complexities and challenges of adoption, including potential struggles with identity, grief, and family relationships.
Our Goals
Our goal is to highlight the transformative nature of adoption, ensuring that the needs, experiences, and stories of adoptees are prioritized at every stage.
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~ Prioritize the Adoptee’s Voice:
Prioritize the experiences, needs, and well-being of adoptees, ensuring their perspective is heard and validated throughout every stage of adoption, recognizing their unique journey and experience.
~ Offer Comprehensive Information:
Provide accessible, accurate, and thoughtful information for adoptees, adoptive parents, birth parents, and those supporting them.
~ Promote Understanding and Empathy:
Break down the complexities of adoption to foster empathy and reduce misunderstandings creating safe space for open dialogue where all voices are respected.
~ Create a Supportive Community:
Build a nurturing, non-judgemental environment for adoptees, adoptive parents, and birth parents to share experiences, seek advice, and offer emotional support to one another.
~ Empower Informed Decision- Making:
Guide individuals and families in making thoughtful compassionate choices by presenting all sides of the adoption experience.
~ Celebrate Personal Stories:
Highlight the diverse experiences of adoptees, birth parents, and adoptive parents to shine a light on the complexity and beauty of adoption journeys and the profound impact adoption has on all lives.
Our Resource Library:
Helping You Navigate The Unspoken Side Of Adoption
With in-depth articles, guides and interviews, we offer a space to learn and grow empowering individuals and families to make informed and compassionate choices.
Whether you’re a prospective adoptive parent at birth, parent or adoptee or someone supporting a loved one this blog is your ultimate resource join us as we shine a light on the beauty challenges, and transformative power of adoption.
Giving You A Voice!
We want to hear from you. Whether you’re an adoptee, adoptive parent, birth parent, or someone with a connection to adoption, your voice matters!
Adoption is much more than a story it is a unique experience and want to hear yours!
Turning Pages Together
Whether you’re and avid reader, a curious mind, or someone looking to dive deeper into the world of adoption and it’s impact, you’re in the right place!
We’ll go over one book each month giving you plenty of time to read along or just enjoy the highlights we share
Dive into our recaps and join in the conversation!
Dear You: An Adoption Letter Project
Have you ever wanted to say something to your birth mom, birth dad, birth child, adoptive parents, or siblings but didn’t know how? Here’s your chance. Write a letter-anonymous or not-and share your story, your feelings, and your heart.
“Letters That Heal, Words That Connect”
fostering meaningful conversations