These slides go with an introduction to Reactive Attachment Disorders I gave to my school.

1. Understanding RAD

2. Secure Detached Disorganized
Disorganized

3. I may be...
Detached
Attention Needy
A Perfectionist
Withdrawn
...Or Aggressive

4. Attention Needy
Beliefs Behaviors
“I need to make myself Will disrupt, embarrass, or
noticed.” misbehave for attention
“Any attention is good Clinging and hovering
attention.”

5. Attention Needy
What Can I Do?
Avoid negative reinforcement.
Reward positive and patient behaviors.
Provide clear structure and boundaries.

6. Perfectionist
Attention Needy
Beliefs Behaviors
“Correctness = Self Worth” Highly self-critical
“I am responsible for those Avoids “unsafe” tasks
around me.”
Frustration & anger over
“Relaxing is bad.” mistakes

7. Perfectionist
Attention Needy
What Can I Do?
Regroup & Redo
Demonstrate belief in the person – not achievements
Encourage relaxation

8. Withdrawn
Beliefs Behaviors
“I can’t trust anyone.” Avoids attention & eye
contact
“Hiding makes me safe.”
Self-defeating
Selectively clingy

9. Withdrawn
What Can I Do?
Praise effort on tasks as well as completion
Facilitate success
Give landmarks for achievement and socialization

10. Aggressive
Beliefs Behaviors
“I can’t trust anyone.” Challenges adults and peers
“Power = Control.” Externally remorseless
“Control = Self Worth.” Highly defensive

11. Aggressive
What Can I Do?
Avoid reciprocating anger
Calmly reinforce positive behaviors
Address problems privately
Allow leadership in strong areas

12. We must always strive to...
build up self-worth
create paths to success
provide structure and boundaries
...create an environment that is
safe and secure for the child.