What is RAD?

Caring for the children is often stressful but caring for a child with RAD can be even harder. It is not easy sometimes to figure out where behaviors are coming from when trying to help redirect a child. 

Many children in they system are often not diagnosed soon enough or properly to get the support they need for RAD. Can you imagine trying to love and care for a child that has no bonding mechanisms and displays manipulative behavior as young as a year old? 


In case you are not aware of this horrible condition:Reactive attachment disorder is a rare but serious condition in which an infant or young child doesn't establish healthy attachments with parents or caregivers. Reactive attachment disorder may develop if the child's basic needs for comfort, affection and nurturing aren't met and loving, caring, stable attachments with others are not established.With treatment, children with reactive attachment disorder may develop more stable and healthy relationships with caregivers and others. Treatments for reactive attachment disorder include positive child and caregiver interactions, a stable, nurturing environment, psychological counseling, and parent or caregiver education.

These videos give you tons of information and a glimpse into the life of someone who has RAD and how it takes a toll on those who love them.

Thankfully with proper intervention and treatment many children can learn to trust and build strong relationships. If it wasn't for the support of foster parents some children would never overcome this. 

If you think you may have a child with RAD there is support out there. Some of the  signs a child may have RAD include:

Very self-reliant / independent 

Overly critical of other people

Passive-Aggressive behavior

Seems too busy for social life

Jealousy

Emotionally overindulgent once in a relationship

Failure to maintain long-term relationships

Trust, Anger, and Control Issues

Resists Love & Guidance

Confusion and helplessness

Irresponsible