[Jeanniebee]

My good friend has married a widower with two children. Could these kids have RAD? They can be violent - one has threatened to kill the family several times, even pulled a knife (age 10). The other (6) smears feces when mad, soils pants all the time - even in school- and does not seem to mind a bit, no shame, talks non stop and is very needy for attention. Both throw huge tantrums that involve tossing around furniture and punching holes in the walls and being a real safety threat. They do not have friends. They began calling my friend "mom" right away and did not seem to have trouble accepting a new mother.

As a PAP, I have been reading up on RAD and other things, and wonder if these kids could benefit from attachment therapy. They are getting traditional therapy and are on a bunch of medicines.

They were never in orphanages or foster homes. Their mom died after a serious illness when they were 3 and 7. Their dad is not so great and has physically abused them most of their lives. But could it be RAD if they are bio kids? Would attachment therapy help? The regular therapy and medicine does not seem to help. I am concerned for my friend as these kids get bigger and stronger.

[luv'mall]

yes bio kids can have RAD...there is a wonderful expert on the condition name Nancy Thomas. She has sevral books and tapes available on the condition, but only a qualified psycho- therapist can diagnose the condition.
The condition can arise in bio kids who have had emotional interruptions in earily childhood such as illness and death of primary care giver...Do check out Nancy Thomases material it is very helpful.

[heidi and co.]

For what it's worth, it only takes one emotionally unavailable,neglectful or abusive parent. What a tragic situation for those kids! Hopefully, your friend will start looking into counseling, at least as a start for them.