Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) Behavior Symptoms Adopted children are most often diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Children diagnosed with RAD are responding to events in their early life that may include neglect or abuse. In addition, the early exposure to such stressors in early life makes them highly sensitive to other stressors during later life. It is important to note that children with RAD see the world differently than we do. Their brains are hypersensitive and highly reactive. They feel life is a constant threat. A sight, sound, smell, taste, or elevation in body temperature can trigger an overwhelming fear state. The response is often violently reactive because they were unable to develop the necessary ability to calm this fear early in life. SYMPTOMS (remember these are behaviors driven by fear)
- Lack of ability to give and receive affection
- Chronic, nonsensical lying – lying about the obvious
- Lack of eye contact
- Lack of cause and effect thinking
- Poor peer relationships
- Self-injurious behavior
- Food issues – hordes, gorges, refuses to eat, eats strange things, hides food
- Vandalism and destructiveness
- Cruelty to animals and/or children
- Indiscriminate affection towards strangers
- Superficially engaging & charming
- Theft
- Fire setting
- Learning disorders
- Toileting issues
- Poor impulse controls (frequently acts hyperactive)
- Parents appear hostile and angry
Triumph Youth Services has experience working with teen boys diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder. We use specialized therapy techniques and a family-like environment to help the teen learn coping skills, correct thinking and behavior. Contact us today. Reference: http://www.healtheheart.org/rad.html
