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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can An Associative Reactive Disorder Be Managed?

My daughters are 8 and 7 and new in their school. We have been informed by a mother of one the girls in their class that her adopted daughter has Associative Reactive Disorder. I am looking for information on how to talk to my girls and tools I can teach my children to help them deal with this type of behaviour. What can you suggest? They might be with this little girl for the next 8 years of school and I want to prepare them appropriately.
posted on Sat, 3 Mar 2018
Twitter Sun, 17 Jun 2018 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 21 Jun 2018 Last reviewed on
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I salute you for wanting your young daughters to understand about persons who are different than they are. Children with reactive associative disorder have markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate ways of relating to others. Reactive associative disorder occurs when attachment between a young child(less than 5 years old) and her primary caregiver(usually mother) does not occur or is interrupted by grossly negligent care. There is not the love, warmth, and understanding normally shown in a healthy parent-child relationship. These children are at higher risk for depression, aggressive behavior, learning difficulties, and behavior problems in school. They have low self-esteem and cannot form meaningful relationships. They can have constant need for attention and nonstop chattering. If their classmate is unwilling to interact with them, back off and don't force. But keep trying regularly to help her. Creating a routine for a child with reactive associative disorder helps her feel safe and relaxed. Avoid changes in routine which can be stressful. Most children with RAD do not like to be touched. Maybe she will accept a high-five or fist to fist motion. With treatment it is possible for children with RAD to learn to trust others and lead healthy, productive lives. With empathy from your children, maybe their new classmate can become their friend.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can An Associative Reactive Disorder Be Managed?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I salute you for wanting your young daughters to understand about persons who are different than they are. Children with reactive associative disorder have markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate ways of relating to others. Reactive associative disorder occurs when attachment between a young child(less than 5 years old) and her primary caregiver(usually mother) does not occur or is interrupted by grossly negligent care. There is not the love, warmth, and understanding normally shown in a healthy parent-child relationship. These children are at higher risk for depression, aggressive behavior, learning difficulties, and behavior problems in school. They have low self-esteem and cannot form meaningful relationships. They can have constant need for attention and nonstop chattering. If their classmate is unwilling to interact with them, back off and don t force. But keep trying regularly to help her. Creating a routine for a child with reactive associative disorder helps her feel safe and relaxed. Avoid changes in routine which can be stressful. Most children with RAD do not like to be touched. Maybe she will accept a high-five or fist to fist motion. With treatment it is possible for children with RAD to learn to trust others and lead healthy, productive lives. With empathy from your children, maybe their new classmate can become their friend. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.