[hopingandpraying]

Does RAD exist in children with Down Syndrome? I'm guessing kids with down syndrome would have a spectrum of attachment issues but I've never really heard of this as a significant issue. Any idea why?

[livingwaters]

To be honest, I have no experience with this, and I have absolutely no idea and am not a professional. That said:

My BD has down syndrome. She is extremely trusting, cannot hold grudges, feels sympathy for someone when they wrong her instead of getting angry, etc. She seems to me the very opposite in many ways of my other kids attachment disorder issues. I'm sure there are kids with DS and attachment issues, but it seems to me (again-just speculating) that the DS would help them be less severe.

[lara247]

I've read a few blogs where children with DS adopted from Eastern Europe seem to have attachment issues ( and/or institutional autism). I'd think that where there is significant neglect and several caregivers without the chance to attach, there is bound to be issues with attachment. Whether full blown RAD is possible, I don't know.

[Barksum]

We were asked to consider a child with Down syndrome who also had RAD issues. Since the child was older than my kids and had tantrums (like breaking things kinds of tantrums) we did not go further than the consideration phase.

[Kat-L]

Originally Posted by livingwaters

My BD has down syndrome. She is extremely trusting, cannot hold grudges, feels sympathy for someone when they wrong her instead of getting angry, etc. .

If only every person on earth felt like your little girl. The world would change overnight.

[livingwaters]

Originally Posted by Kat-L

If only every person on earth felt like your little girl. The world would change overnight.

You're right. I am sooo blessed to have her in my life. She is great with all the other kids we've had in our lives, no matter what struggles they faced... And I often wish that I was as patient and loving as she is!

[momraine]

I would think it would be unusual, given the personalities of most DS kids, but sadly, I am certain it would be possible given enough early trauma.