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Rebirthing Controversy, Page 3

Recommendations for Families

There is a wealth of information and advice (good and bad) available on the Web, however, almost all agree that while exchanging information on the Net is one thing, there are some basic steps that should be taken.

1. Don't jump to conclusions. Get a professional diagnosis. A quick look at any list of symptoms should not be the basis for any decision other than prompting you to seek a diagnosis from an experienced medical professional.
   
   Dr. Federici says RAD "should only be diagnosed by people who have extensive experience on the doctoral level in terms of child development issues. The diagnostician should be experienced in the assessment and treatment of various neuropsychological and psychological disorders of childhood, and know how to use differential diagnosis as opposed to just lumping every child who 'meets the checklist criteria' for RAD." And he adds, "There are so many other disorders that look just like RAD, especially many neurological disorders such as autistic-spectrum disorders, retardation, and the more severe cases of abuse and neglect."
   
   Dr. Gregory Keck and therapist Regina Kupecky of the Attachment & Bonding Center of Ohio and co-authors of Adopting the Hurt Child: Hope for Families with Special Needs Kids, concur with the need for accurate diagnosis. On page 31 they write, "...there is a danger in over-diagnosing or assuming that every child in the system develops the disorder. Placing labels on a child must always be done with great care." And page 40, "Children with attachment problems have intentional difficulties and may or may not have attentional problems."
   
   
2. The Attachment Disorder Support Group advises, "Don't always accept the first diagnosis of your child's problem. This is especially true if you have a gut feeling it's wrong. A second opinion is just as important for a child's psychiatric diagnosis as for a physical diagnosis."
   
   
3. Visit the ATTACh Web site (Association for Treatment and Training in the Attachment of Children) and read the standards of practice and basic assumptions for starters. ATTACh member agencies are held to these standards and assumptions.
   
   
4. Join a support group that consists of parents and professionals, and/or get involved in advocacy for knowledgeable, supportive local services if they aren't available.
   
   
5. Check additional resources for parents here at the site dealing with Attachment and Building Bonds.

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