Childhood and Education Journey of Natalia Grace in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Natalia Grace, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Natalia Grace Mans is a Ukrainian-born American with dwarfism whose case gained notoriety after her adoptive parents, the Barnetts, claimed she was an adult posing as a child. Adopted in 2010, the Barnetts successfully petitioned to have her birth year legally changed from 2003 to 1989. They abandoned her in 2011. A 2023 DNA test estimated her age around twenty-two, indicating she was approximately eight years old when abandoned. Her birth year has since been legally restored to 2003.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education

April 20, 1979: Birth of Natalia's mother

On April 20, 1979, Anna Volodymyrivna Gava, Natalia's biological mother, was born in Latvia.

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1989: Natalia's Birth year changed

In 2011, Natalia Grace's adoptive parents successfully sought a court order legally changing her birth year from 2003 to 1989.

1989: Birth date changed to 1989

In 2012, Natalia's birth date was legally changed to 1989.

September 4, 2003: Natalia's Original Birth Date

September 4, 2003 is Natalia's original birth date, supported by birth and hospital records from Ukraine.

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2003: Natalia Grace Born

Natalia Grace was born in 2003 in Ukraine. Her birth year was later legally restored to 2003 after being changed to 1989.

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2009: Orphan film Release

In 2009, the film "Orphan" was released, which Cynthia Mans believes inspired Kristine Barnett to legally change Natalia's age.

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2010: Natalia Grace adopted

In 2010, at the age of seven, Natalia Grace was adopted by an American family.

2010: Natalia Adopted By Barnetts

In the spring of 2010, Natalia Grace was adopted by Kristine and Michael Barnett after having a previous adoptive placement in the United States.

2011: Natalia Grace Abandoned

In 2011, Natalia Grace was abandoned by her adoptive parents one year after being adopted. Her adoptive parents claimed that Natalia was an adult and sought a court order to legally change her birth year from 2003 to 1989.

2012: Birth Records Changed

In 2012, the Barnetts successfully petitioned the Marion County court to change Natalia's Ukrainian birth records to indicate a 1989 birth date, legally changing her age from eight to twenty-two.

July 2013: Barnetts Move Natalia to Apartment

In July 2013, the Barnetts moved Natalia to an apartment in Westfield, Indiana, and later Lafayette, Indiana, before moving to Canada.

August 2023: DNA test estimates Natalia Grace's age

In August 2023, a DNA test conducted by TruDiagnostic estimated Natalia Grace to be around twenty-two years old. This suggests Natalia was approximately eight years old when she was left in her first apartment in 2011.