[Barksum]

Could you share what tests are used to make a diagnosis of RAD?

My son was diagnosed with RAD. My DH and I believe that this diagnosis is not correct, as we do not see the behaviors that are usually associated with RAD. The assessment team that gave us this diagnosis did not do psychiatric screenings, nor did they use any formal evaluation specifically designed for RAD. The diagnosis was given after our son's early history was discussed and some observation during the administration of occupational therapy testing, and reading through the OT questionaire that I filled out. I believe that their diagnosis was reached because DS was neglected during the first year of life, was adopted at age 2, tends to try to control situations where he is not comfortable, has dysfunction of sensory integration, is easily frustrated, and due to my statement regarding his lack of giving hugs.

We were told that RAD and ARND were "the same thing" because they are both neuordevelopmental disorders resulting in abnormal behaviors. (I know, I know, red flag for me, too! Does this mean that autism and learning disabilities are the same too? Grrr.) The team did not evaluate for alcohol related neurodevelopmental disorders because we did not have a document signed by his biological mother stating when and how much she drank during pregnancy.

Our pediatrician said that this was a "catch all diagnosis". He has supported our pursuit of sensory integration therapy and parenting techniques used for children with brain dysfunction, ie: ARND.

Our son does play appropriate to his developmental level, is affectionate with our family, appropriately cautious of strangers, not obsessed with gore, fire, or tormenting weaker beings. He is careful with our pets, wants and tries to follow the rules, etc. He is kind to his younger brother, and even asks to help with his little brother's care. He does not mutter or talk incessantly, does not lie habitually, doesn't steal, nor does he engage in the behaviors usually associated with RAD.

I did tell the team that our son doesn't hug us much, but I failed to expound on that. He has difficulty with planning and initiating some kinds of actions. He hugs more now because we've been working with him on that specific action by giving cues that make it possible for him to go forward. However, he is affectionate with us in other ways on a very consistent basis: wants to be held, crawls in bed with us when he wakes early in the a.m., climbs into laps to be read to, holds hands when we go for walks, sits on our laps and snuggles when we watch TV, bed time routines involve snuggles and kisses, etc. He is not stiff, nor does he seek to get away from us.

Sorry this has gotten so long, but wanted you to have some idea of why we disagree with the diagnosis and that we have given due consideration to the issue.