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RAD is a mental disorder that sometimes occurs during the first few years of life. It happens when an infant doesn’t bond (attach) properly to its primary caregiver. A child suffering from RAD experiences feelings of rage, shame, a lack of trust and a fear of attaching to anyone, an inability to understand cause and effect, and a compulsive need for complete control.
It is important to realize what often causes RAD in children. It is usually caused by some or all of these three factors in the care-giving of a young child before the age of 5.
Persistent disregard of the child's basic emotional needs for comfort, stimulation, and affection.
Persistent disregard of the child's basic physical needs.
Repeated changes of primary caregiver that prevent formation of stable attachments (i.e.- frequent changes in foster care).
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