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Many people will disagree with me, but I believe RAD is quite common. The ability to attach is developed the first 2 or 3 years of life. So, if the child had breaks in attachment during that time, the likelihood of RAD is there. I believe that all children from orphanages or foster care will have some degree of attachment problems. I hear parents say that their child attached to them right away. No, they didn't. Attachment takes time. The appearance of attaching right away shows signs of attachment problems. So, how can you avoid this? Look at the history of the child. Was there neglect? Were there lots of moves? Did the child have multiple caregivers? I'm not convinced you can tell by short term interaction with the child. I also don't think you can get an accurate picture by talking with CW or foster parents. RAD rears its ugly head once the child is living in a family environment. A child at ages 2 or 3 can heal with therapy and attachment parenting. Its hard. That being said, if I ever adopted again, I would adopt a child with RAD. It will change your life. But it can be done.
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