Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder: 

Reactive Attachment Disorder Sierra Leonard IEC 522

An Introduction to RAD: 

An Introduction to RAD Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is caused when and infant or young child does not develop healthy bonds with their primary caregivers. A child with RAD is most often abused, neglected, or orphaned. RAD works by permanently changing a child’s growing brain when the basic needs of comfort, affection, and nurture are not met during the early years of life. This interruption in the child’s growing brain then affects any relationship the child may try to develop in the future, making RAD a lifelong condition.

What does RAD look like?: 

What does RAD look like? RAD is divided into two sub-categories in the different ways it presents itself in a child. Inhibited Behavior Shun relationship and attachment with everyone. Disinhibited Behvaior Seek attention from everyone they meet, even strangers Constantly ask for help, have inappropriately childish behavior, or constantly appear anxious.

Signs of RAD in an Infant:: 

Signs of RAD in an Infant: Withdrawn, sad or listless appearance Failing to smile Lacking the normal tendency to follow others in the room with their eyes Failing to reach out when picked up No interest in playing peekaboo or other interactive games No interest in playing with toys Engaging in self-soothing behavior, such as rocking or self-stroking Calm when left alone

Signs of RAD in Toddlers or Older Children:: 

Signs of RAD in Toddlers or Older Children: Withdrawing from others Avoiding or dismissing comforting comments or gestures Acting aggressively toward peers Watching others closely but not engaging in social interaction Failing to ask for support or assistance Obvious and consistent awkwardness or discomfort Masking feelings of anger or distress Alcohol or drug abuse in adolescents

How Common is RAD?: 

How Common is RAD? RAD is a very rare and uncommon disease At this time, there are no accurate measures or statistics of just how prevalent RAD is among children Most experts will agree that a larger percentage of children with RAD can be found among children in the foster care system. It is agreed that RAD begins before the age of 5, and most often starts in infancy.

The Causes of RAD: 

The Causes of RAD According to DSM IV - TR, RAD is one of the only childhood disorders that is caused solely by the maltreatment or lack of care by adults. This comes is a variety of different degrees Constant disregard for the child’s basic emotional needs in things like comfort, stimulation, and affection Constant disregard for the child’s basic physical needs Repeated changes of the primary caregiver that prevents any stable attachments from forming (i.e. frequent changes in foster care)

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Other factors that increase the risk of a child developing RAD can include: Living in an orphanage Institutional care Frequent changes in foster care or caregivers Inexperienced parents Extreme neglect Prolonged hospitalization Extreme poverty Physical, sexual or emotional abuse Forced removal from a neglectful or abusive home Postpartum depression in the baby's mother Parents who have a mental illness, anger management problems, or drug or alcohol abuse But remember! Just because a child comes from one or more of these situations does not automatically mean they have RAD.

Diagnosing RAD: 

Diagnosing RAD Not all experts agree on the best way to diagnosis RAD, but all agree that certain criteria must be present. The main criteria that must be present for a child to be diagnosed with RAD are: Disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relationships beginning before age 5, not due to developmental delay Failure to respond to or initiate social interactions, or being inappropriately friendly and familiar with strangers Failure of early caregivers to meet the baby's or child's emotional needs for comfort and affection, failure of early caregivers to attend to the child's physical needs, or repeated changes in the child's primary caregiver

Help and Treatment: 

Help and Treatment There is no standard treatment for RAD. Most treatments include one or more of the following: Individual psychological counseling Education and resources for parents and caregivers about the condition Parenting skills classes Family therapy Medication for other conditions that may occur, such as depression, anxiety or hyperactivity in the child or the parent Special education services Residential or inpatient treatment for children with more serious problems or who may put themselves or others at risk of harm

Resources for Families : 

Resources for Families The best resource for parents or caregivers who have a child with RAD is to get connect with other parents in the same situation. Not only will there be support and encouragement, but there are also stories of hope not only from the parents but from the children as well. Websites like RadKid ( www.radkid.org ) This website is made by parents Offers additional links, books, “what now?” posts, as well as letters and writings from kids with RAD who want to help others understand it better.

Through the eyes of a child with RAD: 

Through the eyes of a child with RAD

PowerPoint Presentation: 

Information gathered from: Mayo Clinic www.mayoclinic.com Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR Fourth Edition (Text Revision) RadKid.org www.radkid.org “Reactive Attachment Disorder” presentation by Cindy Lemon, ARNP, MSN, RN and special thanks to Ellie for giving us her voice