As a parent, a teacher, or someone who interacts with children and infants frequently, it’s essential that you keep up on the various illnesses, disorders, or other issues that children could be experiencing. Reactive attachment disorder is a very rare disorder that you should be aware of. Knowing the signs can help you know how to care for a child who may be suffering from this disorder.

What Is RAD?

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition where a young child or infant doesn’t seem to connect or establish healthy attachment to their parents or primary caregivers. This disorder isn’t just a child being relatively independent, it usually means that the child is not responsive when receiving care after showing distress.

Other potential indications of RAD include a child not reaching out when being picked up or staring at others interacting without showing any desire to interact themselves.

What Causes RAD?

Traumatic events that take place before the age of five can result in a child developing reactive attachment disorder. When a child is severely impacted or hurt by their primary caregivers, they are especially vulnerable to developing RAD.

Other experiences like living in a foster home for long periods of time or having parents who are mentally ill and unable to give full proper attention to children put a child at risk of developing RAD. But even with these situations, developing the disorder is incredibly rare.

How Do You Treat RAD?

Treating RAD varies from child to child. But what is essential is to focus on loving a child and helping them feel that their needs are met and will continue being met. Creating a consistent environment where you are present with the child will help the child be able to start forming healthy attachments.

Working with a doctor can help you connect to other essential resources like psychotherapy for the child and counseling for you as parents. There are a variety of therapies that can be beneficial for the child including therapy for social skills—this therapy can help the child learn to navigate interactions with children their age.

Caregiving for a child with RAD will require patience and a lot of love. Do your best to seek expert advice for your particular situation with your specific child. Then, try to be consistent and be prepared for results that manifest themselves slowly over time.

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