Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a serious psychological condition associated with children who have experienced persistent abuse, abandonment, neglect or separation from parents at a very young age. Children with RAD experience a host of serious psychological, behavioral, cognitive and development problems and can pose a danger to themselves and others.

Wilder’s Center for Children with Reactive Attachment Disorder develops and provides training for foster parents, caregivers and other professionals who work with these children. The treatment approach promoted includes:

• Establishing a safe environment so the children can internalize a sense of security
• Building self-identity and relationships so the children can increase their ability to accept nurturance and limits
• Awakening senses that have been shut down so that the children can more accurately experience and interpret their environment
• Working with their emotions so the children can increase their capacity to cope with life stressors
• Exploring unresolved trauma issues to that trust can develop between the children and their caregivers