Rad: Reactive Attachment Disorders

Signs, Symptoms & Solutions

SYMPTOMS OF RAD

  • Superficially engaging and "charming" behavior
  • Indiscriminate affection toward strangers
  • Lack of affection with parents on their terms (not cuddly)
  • Little eye contact with parents, on normal terms
  • Persistent nonsense questions and incessant chatter
  • Lying about the obvious (crazy lying)
  • Stealing
  • Destructive behavior to self, others, and material things (accident prone)
  • Abnormal eating patterns
  • No impulse controls (frequently acts hyperactive)
  • Lags in learning
  • Abnormal speech patterns
  • Poor peer relationships
  • Lack of cause-and-effect thinking
  • Lack of conscience
  • Cruelty to animals
  • Preoccupation with fire


    • Source: Adopting the Hurt Child

    Comment from a mother: My 3 yr old attacked me in the courthouse the other day, and a person there recommended getting him evaluated, along with looking up attachment issues on the internet. So, here I am. I was floored when I read the list of symptoms...that's my Son! He is very aggressive with me, and nobody that doesn't see him on a daily basis believes he is that bad, since he's so sweet in front of people! He hits me, tells me to "shut up!" constantly, has killed a frog in the yard with a stick, and seemed proud of it, is always hitting the dogs or cats, very defiant about everything, refuses to use the potty to the point of screaming,(which is SO pleasant in a public restroom!!!)

    I am so frustrated with this, and have began to doubt my own abilities as a parent. My other 2 sons (different fathers) are very loving and seem "normal". It's pretty sad when my 7 yr old tells me "It's okay, Mom, you're doing a good job."(Just for the record, we do not use the words "Shut up" in my house, nobody is allowed to hit, for ANY reason, and yelling is for outside.)

    RAD children are unique. Sticker charts and time outs just don't work for these children. They need specialized parenting. As you can see from the example above. Their parents need extra support to meet the needs of their children. THERE ARE RESOURCES! Here are some great ones. Of course, use common sense when parenting your child. Ever parenting approach needs to be done with love. The ultimate goal, healing for the child and the family as a whole.
    Resources on Bonding. Books, DVD's and Theapist Refferals
    Bonding Activities to support attachment
    Online Training on Child Trauma, RAD and attachment
    Practical Parenting Support
    Home from RAD


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