01/04/2026
THIS!
Children in foster care or those adopted often come from backgrounds that include early trauma, neglect or frequent changes in caregivers. Because of this, some children develop attachment-related disorders. Two that are often misunderstood, but different, are Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) & Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED).
Reactive Attachment Disorder is typically seen in children who have learned early on that adults are not safe or reliable. These children may appear emotionally withdrawn & distant. They often struggle to seek or accept comfort, even when they are hurt or distressed. Trust doesn’t come easily, & relationships can feel guarded or surface-level. To outsiders, they may seem unusually independent or uninterested in connection, but this behavior is often a protective response shaped by unmet needs early in life.
Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder looks almost like the opposite. Children with DSED may be overly friendly & familiar with adults they do not know. They often lack typical stranger fear & may hug, touch, or willingly go off with unfamiliar people. While this can appear social or charming, it actually reflects a lack of healthy attachment boundaries. These children haven’t learned to differentiate between safe caregivers & strangers, usually because consistent, responsive caregiving was missing early on.
Both RAD & DSED stem from disruptions in early attachment, & both are more common in children who have experienced foster care, institutional care, or repeated placements. The key difference is how the child responds to relationships: RAD involves emotional avoidance & withdrawal, while DSED involves indiscriminate attachment & a lack of boundaries.
Neither diagnosis defines who a child is, & neither is the child’s fault. With stable caregiving, trauma-informed support & time, many children can build healthier attachment patterns. Understanding the difference helps foster & adoptive parents respond with empathy, patience & the right kind of support.
