[TxDavis]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I am in the process of adopting a 23 month old little girl. She's been with me since she was 8 months old. She is a sweet baby and VERY happy. She can have temper tantrums, but nothing severe by any means. She can be affectionate and has no obvious symptoms of RAD. The only thing that is a little weird..(but maybe it's not)... is that she will go to anyone...she knows no stranger. I rarely take her to daycare, but if I do, she doesn't cry when I leave her although she is very excited when I pick her up. Is she just a happy baby or is something wrong?

[mrsred]

If that is the only "symptom" you are seeing at this point iwouldn't get too worried. Some kids have stranger anxiety, some don't. Some will be friendly to everyone one month and not go to anyone but Mom the next. Just keep loving her for all you are worth. Also it is possible, in fact very common for a child to have attachment disporder without having full blown RAD. This may be a sign of attachment disorder - but don't worry about it too much right now. Just love that baby for all you are worth today. If more things show up in the future seek help.

[T-N-T]

The first two we ever fostered when they had seen me for the first time came up to me and told me they loved me.

They had no stranger anxiety either, that devlops for a normal child when they realize that they and mom are not the "same being."

Now like the other poster said I would not be too concerned, however, I would keep an eye out for other symptoms.

It is common in foster children to easily move from one person to another especially if they have had multiple placements.

They have no idea if this new person will be taking them away to live with them, so they turn on the charm.

Be vigilant, but not anxious. Get some books on attachment and go from there.

How is the eye contact?

Has she been checked for any developmental delays?

Why was she placed into care?

Looking into her history can help you determine if she is at a higher risk than others for attachment issues.

I believe all kids who are placed in care are going to have some level of attachment issues but that does not mean it will develop into RAD.

[Sethi & Eboh's mommy]

We haven't adopted as of yet, but we do have 2 biological children. My son was just like your daughter, he never really had any stranger anxiety and when I did leave him with a babysitter he didn't seem to mind at all. He would be very excited to see me when I got back but that was about it. He was NEVER scared or leery of strangers. We've had to take great pains to teach him to be a bit more cautious. Needless to say he's very outgoing. My daughter on the other hand HATED being left with anyone she didn't know. It got better as she got older but even to this day she takes longer to warm up to people than my son does.
I've said all this just so that you know that every kid is different. Even biological siblings. Sure, keep your eyes peeled to any signs of attachment disorder, but it could just be her personality which is perfectly normal.
Not sure this helps so take it for whatever is worth...

Michelle C.