At Calo Programs, we understand that it can be concerning to see your teen with reactive behaviors like uncontrolled anger or avoidance of family and friends. We're here to help. Our reactive attachment disorder (RAD) treatment for preteens and teens can help young people overcome RAD in nurturing, supportive residential treatment centers that provide live-in care for adolescents to overcome difficult attachment issues. Contact us today to help your teen overcome reactive behaviors and start healing RAD.
Key Highlights
- Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition that makes it hard for teens to form good emotional connections with others.
- The earlier parents can identify the signs and symptoms of RAD and get their teen treatment; the better an adolescent's life can be later in life.
- Reactive attachment disorder can create a variety of problems later in life if left untreated, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
- The root of RAD in preteens and teens can often be being neglected or abused, which disrupts the forming of secure ties with people.
- Calo programs specializes in helping preteens and teens overcome reactive attachment disorder through healing residential treatment centers that help adolescents and children overcome attachment issues.
Our Reactive Attachment Disorder Treatment Heals Teens and Families
At Calo Programs, we specialize in healing teens and families affected by reactive attachment disorder (RAD) through our comprehensive and relational CASA treatment model—Commitment, Acceptance, Security, and Attunement which is grounded in Dyadic Developmental psychotherapy. We understand that RAD stems from early trauma and disrupted attachment, and our RAD treatment centers focus on creating secure, empathetic relationships as the foundation for healing. Integrating parents, therapists, and even golden retrievers into the therapeutic process, we help teens rebuild trust, learn empathy, and form meaningful connections. Our program emphasizes the importance of co-regulation, ensuring that teens experience consistent, safe, and nurturing interactions, which are essential for transforming their emotional and relational well-being.
Here's how our reactive attachment disorder treatment helps teens:
- Relational CASA Treatment Model: We use the CASA model, which stands for Commitment, Acceptance, Security, and Attunement, to create a nurturing and empathetic environment for healing.
- Attachment Treatment: Our treatment center focuses on addressing the root cause of reactive attachment disorder by providing teens with a safe and supportive space to explore their past traumas and form secure attachments with caregivers.
- Supportive Residential Treatment Centers: Our supportive residential treatment centers provide a safe and structured environment where teens can heal and grow, surrounded by a team of dedicated and trained RAD therapists committed to their well-being.
- Focus on Secure Relationships: Through repetitive, reliable experiences of safe relationship student learn to trust. Secure, consistent, and empathetic relationships with caregivers, therapists, and canines facilitate healing RAD, essential for emotional regulation and trust-building.
- Integration of Animal Assisted Therapy: Purebred golden retrievers are fully integrated into our treatment approach. Our canine foster/adoption therapeutic process, helps teens to learn empathy, trust, and real connection through caring for and bonding with the animals. We call this transferable attachment.
- Parental Involvement: Parents and guardians are critical and essential part of our treatment process, ensuring a holistic approach that supports family healing and reunification.
- Comprehensive Therapeutic Interventions: We provide a range of therapeutic interventions, including individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy. As well as diverse clinical interventions such as animal assisted therapy, occupational therapy, neurotherapies. All tailored to address the specific needs of teens with RAD.
- Focus on Emotional and Developmental Growth: Our approach emphasizes co-regulation, where teens learn to manage their emotions through safe, repetitive relational experiences, leading to self-regulation and developmental growth.
What is Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)?
Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition where children and teens struggle to form healthy emotional bonds with others and have behavioral problems such as anger and avoidance due to attachment issues. This can happen because of severe early childhood traumas or disruptions, such as neglect or abuse, which prevent them from developing trust and security with their caregivers and can be traced back to the child’s history. Understanding the child’s history can help therapists and specialists in differentiating RAD from other conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder, and determine the most effective treatment approach for emotional problems.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of RAD in Teens?
Teenagers might exhibit RAD through actions such as keeping to themselves, not really getting close or showing love easily, trying too hard to be in charge, having sudden anger fits, and having a tough time trusting others. These signs could also include pulling away from people socially, being defiant, harming themselves on purpose, or finding it difficult to make deep connections with anyone.
Other signs and symptoms of RAD that parents should look out for include:
- Difficulty being comforted during distress
- Relationship issues
- Developmental problems or delays
- Avoidance of physical touch
- Hypervigilance
- Difficulty controlling emotions
Warning Signs and Examples of RAD Behaviors in Teens
Teens dealing with reactive attachment disorder, or RAD for short, often have a tough time connecting emotionally with the people who take care of them. They might show this through various behaviors and feelings that highlight their struggle to build strong bonds and manage how they feel. Here are some examples of common symptoms and RAD behaviors that parents can look out for in older children to help guide their child's development:
- Having a hard time getting close to caregivers
- Not smiling, playing, or engaging with other teens or children
- Acting withdrawn or avoiding looking people in the eye
- Acting out or out-of-control behavior
- Being too friendly with strangers
- Struggling to control their emotions, such as sudden and uncontrolled episodes of anger
RAD Triggers for Teens and Preteens
RAD triggers can be difficult for teens who are struggling with attachment issues; here are some triggers that parents should be aware of for teens:
- Changes in Routine or Environment: Sudden changes, such as moving to a new home or school, can be particularly destabilizing for teens with RAD.
- Separation from Primary Caregivers: Any form of separation from their primary caregivers, even temporary, can trigger feelings of abandonment and insecurity, leading to emotional distress and behavioral issues.
- Stressful Situations: High-stress environments or situations, such as family conflicts or academic pressures, can exacerbate symptoms of RAD. Teens with RAD may have difficulty managing stress due to their impaired emotional regulation.
- Interpersonal Conflict: Conflicts with peers or authority figures can trigger significant emotional reactions. Teens with RAD often have trouble with social interactions and may overreact to perceived rejection or criticism.
- Loss or Trauma Reminders: Reminders of past traumas, such as anniversaries of significant losses or exposure to similar situations, can trigger emotional and behavioral responses. These triggers can bring back painful memories and feelings of vulnerability.
- Lack of Structure: Environments that lack clear boundaries and consistent rules can be particularly challenging. Teens with RAD need structured settings to feel safe and understood.
- Physical Touch: Physical affection or touch, even if well-intentioned, can be a trigger for some teens with RAD, especially if they have a history of physical abuse or neglect.
- Unfamiliar People or Situations: Encountering new people or unfamiliar situations can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety. Teens with RAD may struggle with trust and fear of new social interactions.
- Attachment-focused Treatment: Using attachment theory as a starting point, we help teens struggling with reactive attachment disorder.
These RAD triggers can disrupt how well kids connect securely and make it hard for teenagers to form close and healthy emotional relationships. By knowing what causes RAD, including risk factors such as unknown histories and emotional instability, parents and those looking after children can offer the right kind of help and ways to deal with these problems so teens facing RAD can get better and improve their emotional development.
We Can Help Your Teen Overcome RAD Symptoms
At Calo Programs, our RAD treatment helps teens overcome behavioral issues through trauma focused-treatment and healing residential treatment centers. If you think your teen might be struggling with the symptoms of reactive attachment disorder (RAD), we're here to help your family heal.
How Many Teens Struggle With RAD?
A peer review of studies on reactive attachment disorder estimates that around 1 to 2% of kids may have reactive attachment disorder (RAD), with potentially higher rates among teenagers.
While symptoms usually appear before a child reaches five years of age, they can vary in severity. Moreover, a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology showed that foster children can be at an even higher risk of reactive attachment disorder.
What are the Causes of RAD?
Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) can be caused by traumas, neglect, abuse, or changes and separation from caregivers early in life. These adverse experiences hinder a child or teen's ability to form trust and secure bonds, leading to difficulties in emotional regulation and relationships later in life.
When a preteen or teen has been diagnosed with reactive attachment disorder, they have been through some type of childhood/developmental trauma, that has impacted their ability to form loving, secure bonds with parents and caregivers. This can be due to a lack of stable attachments, relational disruptions and lack of nurturing in their early years.
There are thousands of preteens and teens throughout the United States who are struggling with reactive attachment disorder. Some of these teens and preteens with reactive attachment disorder have experienced neglect or abuse at the hands of a parent or caregiver: others have bounced from foster home to foster home while many have experienced early trauma through adoption or foster care. Adoption itself, even when at birth, can be a traumatic experience and can lead to the development of attachment disorders, including reactive attachment disorder and substance abuse. Recognizing the signs of reactive attachment disorder and getting teens the proper treatment can help adolescents for years to come.
Environmental Factors
When it comes to teens, things like the environment they grow up in and adverse experiences early on can affect whether they develop reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Constantly ignoring a child or teen's emotional and physical needs, known as pathogenic care, makes it tough for them to form close relationships. Emotional neglect happens when caregivers don't offer the support or attention needed, adding to the problem of RAD.
Early Childhood Trauma
Teens who've been through hard times early in life, maybe facing neglect or abuse, often find it difficult to trust others and build healthy connections. This cause of RAD is rooted in the profound impact that early trauma, such as mental illness in a caregiver, can have on a young person's development, specifically in young children. The experiences of neglect, abuse, or separation from caregivers can create deep-seated emotional wounds that affect how teens navigate relationships and regulate their emotions.
The Impact of Neglect and Inconsistent Caregiving
When teens have reactive attachment disorder (RAD), not being taken care of properly really affects them. When their basic needs for love and safety aren't met or are often ignored, it can disrupt their emotional growth and make it hard for teens to trust people. Also, when the person who's supposed to look after them keeps changing, it throws off their ability to connect with others in a good way.
What are the Therapies and Treatment Options for RAD?
At Calo Programs, we offer an attachment-focused approach to treating reactive attachment disorder (RAD) in teens through supportive residential treatment centers that focus on creating secure, empathetic relationships as the foundation for healing.
Our healing therapies at our RAD treatment centers include individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy, which integrate parents and caregivers into the treatment process to promote holistic healing. Additionally, we incorporate animal-assisted therapy, particularly with purebred golden retrievers, to help teens learn empathy and trust through caring for and bonding with the animals. We design interventions to address each teen's emotional and relational needs, fostering long-term healing and emotional regulation.
Healing RAD Residential Treatment Centers
At Calo Programs, our RAD residential treatment centers provide a comprehensive, therapeutic environment specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by teens with RAD. Within our RTCs, teens engage in various therapeutic activities and interventions that foster healing and emotional growth in a healing 24/7 live-in environment and continuous support from RAD therapists and specialists who can help give them the tools to overcome RAD behaviors.
Evidence-Based RAD Therapies for Teens
At Calo Programs, we use evidence-based RAD therapies and treatments that help teens overcome reactive attachment disorder in a healing, supportive residential treatment environment. Therapies that we use to help teens heal RAD include:
- Attachment-Focused Therapy: By focusing on attachment theory and using attachment-focused therapy, we help teens understand and process their early traumatic experiences, promoting emotional regulation and trust. Therapy sessions involve building these critical attachments through consistent, empathetic interactions, enabling teens to develop healthier ways of relating to others and improving their overall emotional well-being.
- Canine and Animal Assisted Therapy: At Calo Programs, Canine and Animal Assisted Therapy plays a crucial role in healing teens with reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Teens learn empathy, trust, and responsibility by caring for and bonding with purebred golden retrievers. This unique therapeutic approach leverages the unconditional love and companionship animals provide to help teens build secure attachments and emotional regulation.
- Adventure Therapy: Calo Programs incorporates adventure therapy to help teens with RAD build confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation through engaging and challenging outdoor activities.
- Neurotherapy: Neurotherapy at Calo Programs focuses on enhancing brain function and emotional regulation for teens with RAD through advanced techniques such as neurofeedback and biofeedback.
- Clinical Therapy: Clinical therapy at Calo Programs involves a comprehensive approach to treating RAD, utilizing evidence-based practices such as individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Licensed therapists work closely with teens to address their past traumas, develop coping strategies, and foster healthy relationships.
- Uniquely Relational Therapy: At Calo Programs, our uniquely relational therapy is at the heart of our approach to treating reactive attachment disorder (RAD). This method focuses on healing through the power of secure, empathetic relationships. By fostering deep connections between teens and their caregivers, therapists, and peers, we create an environment where emotional and developmental growth can flourish.
Role of Family in RAD Treatment Process
At Calo Programs, the role of family is crucial in the treatment process for reactive attachment disorder (RAD). Family involvement is integrated into every aspect of our RAD treatment, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding and strengthening family bonds and addressing problematic early attachment behaviors. Parents and caregivers actively participate in family therapy sessions, learning strategies to support their teen's emotional and psychological growth during the treatment of RAD. This collaborative effort helps create a consistent and nurturing home environment, essential for long-term healing and promoting positive interactions within the family.
Relationships are the vehicle of change
At Calo Programs , a large percentage of our students were adopted at birth or in early childhood. In all our interventions, relationships are the vehicle of change. Our residential treatment model for students with reactive attachment disorder focuses on relationships with parents, therapists, coaches and purebred golden retrievers. Our program creates real connections and meaning with others. When emotions are high, there are no timeouts, only closeness with trusted caretakers. Calo has no levels; we believe fairness is getting what you need.
We're Here to Help You
If your teen is struggling with reactive attachment disorder, we are here to help. At Calo Programs, our RAD treatment facilities help adolescents and teens ages 9 to 18 with parents or guardians who are willing to actively participate in the reactive attachment disorder treatment program. Calo Programs offers single-gender teen (14 to 18) and preteen programs (9 to 13). We also support healthy young adult transition to adulthood serving student ages 17-20 in our transition homes.
What are the Benefits of RAD treatment at Calo Programs?
At Calo Programs, our reactive attachment disorder treatment centers specialize in helping teens and families overcome attachment issues through our healing relationship based residential treatment. Here are some of the benefits that we offer parents and teens in our programs:
1. Holistic Approach
Calo Programs offers a holistic treatment approach that addresses the emotional, psychological, and social needs of teens with RAD. This care comprehensively addresses all aspects of a teen's well-being, promoting long-term healing and stability.
2. Relational CASA Model
The unique CASA model—Commitment, Acceptance, Security, and Attunement—focuses on building secure and empathetic relationships essential for healing trauma and fostering healthy attachments. This relational approach helps teens develop trust and emotional regulation in a supportive environment.
3. Family Involvement
Family therapy sessions are integral to the treatment process, ensuring parents and caregivers are actively involved in their teen’s recovery. This strengthens family bonds and creates a supportive home environment that continues to nurture the teen’s progress even after they leave the residential program.
4. Animal-Assisted Therapy
Incorporating purebred golden retrievers into the therapeutic process, Calo Programs leverages the power of animal-assisted therapy to teach teens empathy, trust, and responsibility. This unique approach helps teens form meaningful connections and aids in emotional healing.
5. Structured Residential Environment
The residential treatment centers provide a structured and predictable environment, which is crucial for teens with RAD. This stability helps reduce anxiety and promotes a sense of security, enabling teens to focus on their therapeutic goals.
7. Expert Care and Support
The dedicated team of licensed therapists, counselors, and support staff at Calo Programs is experienced in treating attachment disorders. Their expertise ensures that teens receive the highest quality of care tailored to their specific needs.
6. Adventure and Experiential Therapies
Calo Programs includes adventure and experiential therapies, such as outdoor activities and team-building exercises, to help teens build confidence, develop new skills, and process their emotions in a dynamic and engaging setting.
How Do I Know if My Teen Needs RAD Treatment?
If you see warning signs of RAD in teens, like emotional withdrawal, extreme and uncontrolled anger episodes, or difficulty forming or maintaining relationships, it could be a sign that your teen will benefit from RAD treatment. We're here to help your teen and family overcome reactive attachment disorder symptoms and find the right treatment for your teen. Contact us today and we'll help you find a healing RAD treatment option.
How Does RAD Treatment Work at Calo Programs?
We'll walk parents and teens through each step of the RAD treatment process at Calo Programs. Here's what parents and teen scan expect during RAD treatment:
Assessment
During the assessment stage, our RAD admissions specialists will work to understand your teen's unique needs, history, and symptoms. This involves gathering detailed information from parents, caregivers, and previous treatment providers. Psychologists conduct evaluations and diagnostic interviews to identify the presence and severity of reactive attachment disorder (RAD).
Diagnosis
Using the diagnostic criteria for RAD, the clinician makes a formal diagnosis based on the assessment. This diagnosis helps pinpoint the specific challenges and issues the teen is facing and confirms the presence of RAD and any co-occurring psychiatric disorders. This diagnosis also helps inform our team and therapists about appropriate treatments and therapies and helps us develop personalized RAD treatment plans for your son or daughter.
Treatment
Using the personalized RAD treatment plan, we'll outline the specific therapeutic approaches and interventions that will help your teen overcome RAD. The treatment plan includes goals, expected outcomes, and the roles of various family members in the therapy process.
Transition and Aftercare
As the teen progresses through their RAD treatment and approaches graduation, the focus shifts to preparing them and their family for a successful transition back to home or to a less intensive care setting such as intensive outpatient treatment or a partial hospitalization program. Aftercare plans are developed to provide ongoing support and ensure the continuity of care, promoting long-term recovery and stability.
Types of Reactive Attachment Disorder Behavior Problems We Treat
Our residential treatment centers and treatment options help teens with RAD behavior problems such as:
- Emotional withdrawal and detachment
- Resistance to comfort and affection
- Difficulty forming and maintaining relationships
- Indiscriminate sociability
- Unexplained fearfulness, sadness, or irritability
- Hypervigilance and anxiety
- Aggressive and defiant behavior
- Problems with emotional regulation
- Manipulative behaviors
- Poor academic performance
These behaviors can be a sign of RAD and other co- occurring mental health conditions. If you're a parent and you see these issues in your teen or child, reaching out for treatment as soon as possible can help your teen create a better life.
Contact Us for Healing RAD Treatment
If your teen is struggling with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and you are seeking effective, compassionate treatment, Calo Programs is here to help. Our unique CASA treatment model and comprehensive therapeutic approaches address the deep-rooted issues of RAD and promote lasting healing and emotional well-being in teens and families.
What are the Long-Term Consequences of Untreated RAD in Teens?
Untreated reactive attachment disorder (RAD) in teens can lead to significant and pervasive long-term consequences, including emotional and psychological issues, relationship issues, academic and career challenges, substance use challenges, and the development of other or worsening mental health conditions.
If you're a parent, the sooner you help your teen find treatment for reactive attachment disorder, the better your son or daughter's life will be.
Stories of RAD Healing from Calo Programs
Our residential treatment centers have helped teens and families overcome and heal reactive attachment disorder. Look at some of the stories of teens and families we've helped.
Why Should I Choose RAD Treatment at Calo Programs for My Teen?
We're experts in helping teens and families with attachment issues through supportive RAD residential treatment centers that provide healing care and support. By choosing Calo Programs, you're choosing a future for your teens where they can overcome difficult attachment-related issues that can affect them throughout life.
Reactive Attachment Disorder FAQ
If you think that your teen is dealing with the signs and symptoms of RAD, seeking professional treatment for your teen can be the best way to help your child or teen overcome RAD. Other ways to help a teen with RAD can be to show understanding and patience and backing them up every step of the way; you play a big part in helping your child build strong emotional connections and get past the hurdles that come with RAD and lead to positive change in their life.
When trying to communicate with a teen who has RAD, it can help to actively listen, show how you feel, and be kind in how you talk with them. Give teens time to share what's on their minds and let them know it's okay to feel however they do. When seeking treatment for RAD, getting advice from a therapist or counselor could also help by giving more tips on talking things through effectively with your teen dealing with reactive attachment issues. Maintaining eye contact while talking with your teen can show them that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation. This can help build trust and strengthen your relationship with your teen.
Fixing the bond problems in kids or teenagers with reactive attachment disorder (RAD) isn't quick; it needs a lot of time, patience, and hard work. By seeking RAD treatment as soon as possible, you give your teen or child the best chance to heal traumas and attachment issues. Parents can also help by giving steady love and care and ensuring they're in a safe and caring place, and you can start to mend their connections.
More Questions About RAD Treatment?
If you have more questions about reactive attachment disorder (RAD) treatment or want to learn how Calo Programs can help your teen heal, please don't hesitate to reach out. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with all the information and support you need to make the best decision for your family.