It is interesting how some people can judge so quickly.  I received a phone call a couple of days ago from a mom who has a biological son with RAD, who had suffered at the hand of a woman who thought she knew best how my friend should handle her situation.  My friend felt the blame that so often is placed on mothers of RAD kids.  She was crying and said that she knew I would understand.  How did she know this?  I have a biological child with RAD.

Most people think that RAD only occurs within children who come from adoptive/fostering homes.  This is not true.  Any child who has had to suffer through divorce, many moves, separation from one or both parents or multiple caregivers is at risk of developing RAD.  On the other hand, some kids don't develop RAD even though they live through situations that most could not handle.   It depends on the child.

Attachment is vital in the first couple of years, but can also be damaged when the child is still in utero.  My husband did not want our first child.  Why?  He felt he was not ready, although we had been married for a year by the time I got pregnant.  This rejection was felt by my oldest even then.  Add in multiple moves and the right personality and we ended up with an RAD child. 

These children grow up angry at the mother, primarily.  They can end up angry at the whole world if they are not helped.  With so much divorce, daycares, transient people, I believe that we are going to see a vast increase in kids with RAD.  One problem is that many people have no idea about this condition or they just don't want to believe that their child could be suffering from this condition. 

There is hope.  There is Attachment Therapy that has been very successful.  Equine Therapy is also another suggested therapy.  Kids who do not trust people can somehow learn to trust horses first.  The changes can be amazing.  This is where our program is going.  We desire to work with these children and help the parents work through the lies the child bases their every thought on. 

We have had some children coming to ride on an informal basis.  This is good for them.  They don't feel like they have been labeled or in some form of "treatment". 

I praise the Lord for what He has taught me in helping my oldest and now others.