[Scrapgirl3]

Hi, another question from me. Again, the scary stories about adoption have hit me. Has anyone had issues with RAD in Korean babies? I know all adopted babies can have some, but from what I've read, it seems like it may be less in Korean babies since they spend their infanthood in a stable foster home. What have been your experiences? Just curious. Thanks!

[angelkisses0102]

RAD does not discriminate on any basis, including country of birth...being adopted or biological. The causes of RAD and attachment issues are varied. The best suggestion is to educate yourself. Fostered babies can and do have attachment issues up to and including RAD. This site is great as it is directed at parents of internationally adopted infants that were fostered. A4everFamily.org - HOME RAD and attachment disorder are spectrum disorders...so individual cases vary greatly. So much goes into which child will struggle and which one won't.

We do have a close family friend whose now 19 year old Korean born daughter is RAD...she was adopted as an infant and back then attachment wasn't even spoken about. Her biggest regret is that she never knew what was wrong with their daughter until was too late. She made their lives a living hell and she is no longer living in the family home...as soon as she turned 18 she was gone.

All the best in your journey.

[Max'smom]

Hi,
I'll second what the above poster said, but I'd like to add that international adoption professionals consider the level of care given children in Korea before adoption to be excellent, so that they are less likely to have the types of RAD that occurs because of institutionalization/neglect and/or abuse in a dysfunctional bio-family. But usually people who adopt from Korea educate themselves and are likely to use a lot of attachment parenting strategies like wearing the baby, responding to night time crying immediately (not letting a newly adopted child "cry it out") and so forth. There are new strategies psychologists believe help promote healthy attachment.
MM