BellaOnline Forums Family Adoption Attachment disorder and adoption

I'm curious if the adoption agencies teach about attachment disorder now and how to recognize it. Has anyone here adopted a child with attachment disorder? How is it going?

I adopted a child in 1994 who has attachment disorder. In hopes of trying to help her she actually lives with her birth mom now, her dad, her birth mom and I are involved in her life and she's doing a lot better.

I hope the agencies tell about attachment disorder now.

No they do not even mention disorders such as RAD in foster classes or adoption classes. It is not a recognized disorder in most countries that are adopted from, and in the US we avoid allowing foster parents to take the foster children they have anywhere they could acquire such a diagnosis as it would hinder chances for adoption (for them cost saving) I certainly support giving these kids a chance, but adopting them to unsuspecting people who have no idea what RAD or ODD is, is a sure fire way to get them yet another let down . We need informed - trained - commited parents for these kids, period. Not just anyone who is naive enough to think that a life of broken promises and not attention leaves no risidule affects. *sigh*

> Has anyone here adopted a child with attachment disorder?
> How is it going?

Yes, I have, and he is doing very well. He has been with us for 2 years and arrived in our home at 5.5 years old.

It is something you can certainly do able - but only with the right parents - committed ones. so kudos to wilreba you have done something that scares others from even trying!

Yes Kudos to anyone who can keep an attachment disorder child. I had no idea what it was when my daughter was little. I didn't know how to handle her, nor did anyone else. I just eventually determined that she really needed her birth mom. She is 17 years old now, and she's doing really well. Although she still has attachment issues... I don't believe she is a danger to society or anything.

Yea unfortunately "normalcy" is asking a bit much of these kids - but if your daughter has over come the core of the issues your doing great! As an adult hopefully she will see how important connections are

Stephanie, kudos to *you* for choosing for your daughter what you felt was in her best interest!



Healthy relationships may not come easily to them, but most children with attachment difficulties are not a danger to society.



Normal is relative. Many children who struggled with attachment in their childhood go on to live normal lives.

yes they sure do - it is however more of a struggle not something that comes as naturally as it would for others. Because of early neglect they have to relearn how to connect and thats a lifelong challenge!