Thanks for the update. I still maintain that she more exhibited the signs of RAD. One of the key signs to me was her concerns were only about her situation, not her brother. She did express she hoped he was OK, but it was always based on what effect his injuries or death might have on her, not him. Another key sign is the self harm. And if she did have undiagnosed or misdiagnosed RAD, then putting her on ADHD meds likely only exacerbated the issues. I am curious who made the decision to put her on ADHD drugs. 6 in 10 kids are being misdiagnosed with ADHD instead of RAD or other developmental trauma related disorders. Here’s why it matters: Stimulant medications typically given for ADHD can exacerbate other symptoms the child is experiencing; and a misdiagnosis of ADHD when the child has RAD can cause significant delays in the child getting the treatment they need.
I still maintain this child has Reactive Attachment Disorder and was misdiagnosed and put on stimulants which exacerbated her condition causing the self harm and the homicidal ideations that led to the murder of her brother. That is why she kept saying, “I don’t know what happened.” She doesn’t. This kid is going to be messed up, maybe for life. Just so sad. I wish more attention was paid to RAD symptoms.
She may indeed have RAD. She may have ADHD, and/or seasonal allergies that precipitate hyperactivity; and she may have both, or none, or other possible co-morbidities—because obviously raising healthy children was not uppermost in the efforts of any of her parent figures.
You’ve been studying RAD lately, and to a hammer, everything looks like a nail. I think humans are infinitely individual, and their treatment ideally would take many factors into account; but it’s going to take more than mere psychologists to help this critically neglected child.
God bless the poor girl. I do hope there is a chaplain wherever she goes; since her life here on earth is so severely damaged. But there is a Savior to love her and give her rest.