October 07, 2015

Signs of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder is a behavioral condition in which a child has difficulty attaching themselves to a parent or caregiver. It’s a devastating disorder for parents to endure because it can feel so hopeless — doing everything you can to nurture and love your child, while feeling and being treated like a total enemy. This disorder is rare but it can especially occur in adopted children who may feel damaged or traumatized by their relationship with their birth mother, or who find it difficult in general to attach themselves to their adopted parents. It can begin as immediately as infancy. How do you know if your child has Reactive Attachment Disorder?

1. Withdrawal. Is your child withdrawn or listless? Do they not reach out to you for nurturing, or do they not respond to your attempts to nurture? This could include not returning hugs, not responding to touch or not seeking comfort or responding when you try to give them comfort, and not smiling or showing signs of happiness. Not cooing, or making any sounds, is also a sign.

2. Seclusion. Does your child stay away from social situations, preferring to watch from the sidelines rather than to jump in and interact? Do they not want to play games, or fail to respond when you reach out and attempt to play interactive games with them — peek-a-boo, clapping hands, or any game that involves touch? Do they not as for help, or respond when you try to give them help?

3. Failure to connect. Does your child respond to eye contact, or fail to make eye contact? Do they reject your efforts to connect? Do they cry inconsolably, but then not respond to you when you try to comfort them, or actively reject your attempts to comfort them?

If you notice that your child has any of these behaviors, or you have any concerns about how they’re attaching to you, it’s important to call your pediatrician, who can recommend a good specialist. This article has a great number of ways to support fostering a positive environment in the home, although it’s still important to seek professional help if you do feel like your child has Reactive Attachment Disorder. It can amended, and positive attachments can be formed — you don’t have to do it on your own.