Is RAD bologna?

"I am so sick of the "RAD" baloney going on. RAD is a very serious illness that is also very, very, very rare. I am sure you are intelligent adults so why are you falling for the stupidity that these "attachment therapists" are selling? It is all about making money for these guys. It is Americas new legal child abuse. Kids are dying for gods sake. If you want to know more about the TRUTH visit ---------.org'

This comment was left on my blog. My first gut reaction was to hit "delete", but then I stopped. If my purpose to to provide support, educate and find other moms who have kids with RAD this statement can help a lot of us. All I ask is that you look for the feelings under the statement.  This is a person who has been hurt and could use both education and support. Whether they accept it or not is up to them but we all sure know how to give it.

First, I want to apologize for my absence.  Between my internship, moving, and some acting out on the part of a couple of boys, plus a wedding and a daughter leaving for college, I seem to have swung behind and am just now feeling like I am catching up. We sold our old house yesterday which was quite a load off. Now I feel like we can really work toward settling in and nesting here.

Back to the above statement.  Those of us who are mom's so wish RAD was bologna.  In the DSM-IV the guidelines for a child developing RAD are pretty specific.  When a child has been abused, neglected and abandoned, it is of course going to change the way they can trust or feel safe.  These are called attachment issues. When it interferes to the point of the child trusting no one, spending all the time on guard and living their lives in fear, as though in a war zone; they have RAD.  It makes complete sense.  I only have 4 weeks left in internship and then begin the process of becoming licensed.  I will be working with an attachment therapist, doe her agency,  but will  work in the town in which I live. I will be the only attachment therapist in my town, that I know of.  Am I going into it for the money? No. I am going into it because I am passionate about helping these kids.  They are the future of our nation.  They need help now. As far as attachment therapy being abusive: It has changed so much in the last 3-5 years.  It is very child centered, empathetic, educational, mindful... I could go on and on.  It is a loving form of therapy and I'm proud to be a part of it!.  I'm not sure I addressed all the above individual said. She/he did leave a website but I want to check it out pretty carefully before I post it as to make sure it is safe and appropriate. It sounded legit, but you know how it is.

Anyway, it feels good to be back.  I will be talking with my new supervisor soon about the direction of my blog. My current thought is that it will be still written from the perspective of a mom of kids with RAD but I may throw in some educational pieces as I come across them.  I'm hoping as I finish my internship that I'll have more time for awhile while my practice is in its infancy.

I hope and pray you are all doing well! I'll be "visiting" you all this evening on your blogs to catch up. Off to my internship!