[GingerbreadKids]

I have an adopted daughter, 9, with RAD & PTSD, possible early childhood Bi-Polar. She is dissassociating quite frequently. Our adopted son, 8, has FAE, RAD and PTSD. He also dissassociates. They have been living with us for 3 1/2 years. We are well-versed in the Nancy Thomas RAD parenting methods and are involved in attachment therapy (for the past 6 months). We are awesome, powerful, loving parents, however, I suspect I am missing something in trying to parent the "whole" child, when in fact, my children are in pieces of varying sizes and dimensions.

I understand that most people w/DID don't get help until they are adults because they grow up in the abusive home. Also, since DID/MPD generally isn't diagnosed until a child is 18, there might be little to support therapy/parenting children younger than that.

My question is this: Is anyone aware of any material(s) on parenting (or even therapeutic interventions for) children with DID?

Thank you.

[emlynn74]

I understand what you are saying due to i am an adult that was adopted and i have been bi-polar all my life.
I can tell you it is hard, my parents went thru alot with me and i am greatful for that.
They had me seeing a pyhcoigest every week since i was 3years old.
So my advise to you is do alot of reading up on it and pin point her behavors and have her see someone.
Not all DID, bi-polars are from abused families.I wasn't abused at all.
Just hang in there and give her alot of loive and realize she can't stop her behaviors.
i have to take meds, and at times just stay home days on end b/c of my bi=polar and thats with meds and all.
Good luck i hope i help some what.

[Dr. Art]

In your situation it is most likely that the DID is caused by the trauma that caused the RAD and that the DID is really just another symptom of the RAD. Therefore, you should get treatment for the RAD. You can find someone at Assoc for the Treatment and Training in the Attachment of chldren or one on the list or registered clinicians can suggest someone closser to home.

regards.

[mjoseph]

I know quite a bit about DID/MPD. I may be able to help =)

Have your children actually been diagnosed with DID/MPD or just Bi-polar? With DID there would be distinct *alter* personalities.

[Dr. Art]

Dissociation is a common sympton of RAD. Children who have experienced chronic trauma and who cannot regulate their affect use dissociation.

regards,

[GingerbreadKids]

I wasn't aware that the psyche community actually diagnosed DID before a child turns 18.

My daughter is having the most problems right now. Because she can be very aggressive/assaultive we are focusing primarily on her. (We're not ignoring the other childrens needs, but for safety's sake, she's center stage.) She was hospitalized twice in October for being a threat to herself and others. Although, in typical RAD behavior, she was a very wonderful patient. Not surprising since there were no loving relationships to sabatoge...

We are definately treating the RAD. Her therapist says my daughter could be the poster child for RAD. We are confident that this type of parenting (and the attachment therapy) will work with the other dx as well.

Her axis 1 is 1. PTSD 2. RAD Her family of origin is suspect for Bi-Polar (so we are documenting and observing behaviors and patterns closely). We have observed alters presenting themselves. A pubescent male voice, angry child, a 3 year old who speaks with a lazy tongue, etc. Our daughter is unaware of these and doesn't remember what she's done/said when they are out. We are also identifying a very dominant alter that our daughter seems to have an awareness of and struggles to keep subdued.

All this to say, that we parent w/attachment techniques. It's consistent, it's the structure that is needed, its familiar, and although the limits are constantly tested, the children know they're safe within the boundaries we've set.

Maybe the info I'm looking for would have more to do with PTSD since DID is an aspect of that.

Also, are there techniques one could use to help the child regulate or learn how to regulate their affect? Or will the child continue to use dissassociation because that is what is perceived as effective? I guess maybe what I'm asking about is kind of a behavior modification for dissassociation. Or does that not work in cases like these?

Thank you.

[emlynn74]

Dr Art,
Thanks for letting me know aboout RAD and i will sure let my Doctors look into it.
I am on SSI for bi polar, borderline personality disorder, and manic depression, plus a learning dissability. I am one big mess.
I have to take my meds every day or i am unbarable to be around. And in a way I see were i may have RAD. In relationships i expect everyone to leave and like the one i have been in for almost three year now (which is the longest anyone has put up with me) i get up set when they don't leave, i am so use to people just leaving me alone.and not dealing with me.
Awhile back i took i unpon myself to stop all meds (A VERY BAD IDEA OF MINE) my partner and friends counted at least up to 30 mood swings a day, and what makes it worse is i have no clue i'm doing it.Thank god they called my doctor and he made a house call and he put me right back on meds.

I am sorry that my adoptive parents had to deal with me, but i tell them it isn't my fault and i pray they beleive me.

Thanks again
Emily

[Dr. Art]

The techniques to use to help a child improve affect regulation are the methods one uses to facilitate a healthy and secure attachment with a child. Maintaining an affectively attuned relationship with the child is at the core of that.

regards,