ADHD and Early Trauma: Adopted vs Non-Adopted If ADHD characteristic behaviors are resulting from early trauma, how is recommended treatment different than that for children living with their birth family and ADHD? The incidence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is higher among adoptive children […]
I have heard that many internationally adopted children are at risk for Reactive Attachment Disorder. What is this disorder and what are some of the signs that parents should look for? Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a condition in which individuals exhibit markedly disturbed and […]
My pediatrician believes that my child has Reactive Attachment Disorder. What can I do if there isn’t a RAD therapist within 100 miles of my home? Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a condition in which individuals exhibit markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness. Children […]
What symptoms suggest that an adoptive child has been exposed to a significant traumatic event? Many adoptive children have, unfortunately, faced traumatic events. Having an understanding of the symptoms suggestive of traumatic exposure can aid in identifying children who may be experiencing traumatic stress reactions. […]
Do adoptive parents frequently experience Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? And do these parents who are “victimized” by the process go on to become “self-proclaimed experts” in adoption? Certainly a provocative question! Unfortunately, far too many people confuse Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) with Traumatic Stress. The […]
https://youtu.be/xW_9ltmMfl8Psychological screening tests and evaluations for the newly adopted post-institutionalized children Fortunately, there is a growing appreciation of the unique needs of adoptive children. While efforts are made to evaluate and understand the medical background and medical status of adoptive children, little attention is given […]
Psycho-medical and social effects of natural disasters What are some of the psycho-medical and social effects of natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina on children living through this traumatic event? Natural disasters like hurricane Katrina and other events like the 9/11 terrorists attacks have grave […]
Impact of Traumatic Stress on Adoptive Parents You write frequently about the impact of traumatic stress with adoptive children. Could you address the impact of traumatic stress experienced by the parents of adoptive children? As I have indicated previously, a significant number of adoptive children […]
You have introduced Adoption Stress. Is this the same as Post-Adoption Depression? The term “Post-Adoption Depression” has been used to explain the feelings of sadness that are experienced by many adoptive parents subsequent to the adoptive process. Unlike postpartum depression, which may be caused by […]
Psychological evaluations of the adoptive parent I have heard that parents who seek to adopt children are often required to undergo extensive psychological evaluations? Is this true? And, if it is, what should my husband and I expect in this process? It is becoming increasingly […]