Reactive Attachment Disorder

Among the students who are unable to perform academically and socially are those who can be identified with an attachment disorder.  Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) can be misdiagnosed as ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder or Bipolar Disorder.  While it is true that these symptoms often accompany RAD the treatment is far more intense and specific.

Those identified with RAD will not respond to standard parenting and teaching strategies.  These children are unable to form health and consistent attachments and may refuse comfort, redirection, attention, and help.  Parent and/or teacher relationships may be strained while confusion and mistrust grow.

Parents will receive reports from school describing frequent misbehaviors and disorganized attachments that provoke negative responses from teachers.  Frustrated parents try unsuccessfully to bring about positive change with any consistency.  Familial relationships are further taxed and a negative cycle is perpetuated.

Sappo School professionals engage RAD students in a dyadic relationship-based approach developed by Dr. Becker-Weidman.  In the book, Creating Capacity for Attachment, Dr. Becker- Weidman explains that “Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy evolved as an approach to treat such ‘untreatable’ children.”  Progress is evident as these students begin to feel successful both in school and at home as anger turns to trust and acceptance.

Call us to find out if your child suffers from Reactive Attachment Disorder.  An evaluation can be scheduled to reveal the reasons for your child’s frustration.

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