Reactive Attachment Disorder Case Study

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Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a mental health disorder often present in children that has endured severe early trauma. Children with RAD lacks the ability to connect with other people. Often, children are unstable to form stable relationships and tend to be emotionally detached from their surroundings. There were some inconsistencies in James behavior that made Dr. Perry and Stephanie question his RAD diagnosis. When he was at the residential treatment center, he behaved himself appropriately. He didn’t have any outrageous behavior problems at school. His adoptive parents seemed more worried about their problems and stress rather than James. Dr. Perry and Stephanie grew attached to James fairly quickly. It appeared that James enjoyed their company as well. However, as the therapy came to an end, Stephanie felt distraught that it was ending. She was sadden that James would be leaving her care. If a child has RAD, there should be no attachment or relationship. The child should have no interest in other people, therefore it would be hard to form a relationship with them as well. Since James had formed an attachment to Stephanie and Dr. Perry, they concluded …show more content…

Encourage parents to be patient with their children throughout the healing process. Counseling of mental health disorders are normally not a “quick-fix”. These things take time and it is up to the child and family to demonstrate patience during the process. 3. Encourage the parents to make mutual respect the foundation of their relationship. Many of the children presented in Dr. Perry’s book had an adverse respect for adults and other authority figures. I believe that showing a child respect is the best method of teaching them to respect others. People tend to respond positively when they are treated with respect. 4. Encourage the parent and child to express their feelings. Expressing their feelings can create a bond between the parents and the child. Also, it help develops their communication

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