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Home » RAD vs Autism: Understanding the Key Differences

February 2, 2022 · 2 Comments

RAD vs Autism: Understanding the Key Differences

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Are you wondering about Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) vs Autism? How can you tell the difference between these two disorders in childhood and is it possible for someone to have both?

A young boy playing with a toy on top of a table with a text that reads as RAD vs Autism Understanding the Key Differences.
What’s the different between Autism and RAD?

Diagnosis of RAD, autism, and other conditions can only be done by a qualified medical professional. This article is for information purposes only.

Table Of Contents
  1. What is RAD?
  2. What is Autism?
  3. What is the Difference Between RAD and Autism?
  4. How Do I Find Out if My Child Has Autism or RAD?
  5. Can a Child Have Both RAD and Autism?
  6. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Autism vs RAD

What is RAD?

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a condition in which an infant or young child does not form a secure, healthy emotional bond with his or her primary caretakers. Children with RAD often struggle to form meaningful connections with other people and exhibit challenging behaviors due to lack of healthy attachment.

Reactive attachment disorder is most common among children between 9 months and 5 years and the diagnosis is only for those who have experienced physical or emotional neglect or abuse.

What is Autism?

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication.

According to AutismSpeaks.org,

We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, most influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. The ways in which people with autism learn, think and problem-solve can range from highly skilled to severely challenged. Some people with ASD may require significant support in their daily lives, while others may need less support and, in some cases, live entirely independently.

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What is the Difference Between RAD and Autism?

Because both children with RAD and children with Autism struggle with forming healthy relationships and social connection, at times it can be difficult to determine if a child has RAD or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Asperger’s (a form of Autism).

While children with Autism may have attachment difficulties, the root cause is different than that of children with attachment disorders.

Some of the behaviors that overlap with both diagnosis (and thus create confusion) are lack of eye contact, repetitive behaviors, perseverance, appearing to be avoiding connection, and unnatural speech patterns.

One of the most important criteria that is always a factor for RAD is a history of early childhood trauma such as from abuse, separation from a primary caregiver, or extreme medical procedures. Many children with Autism have no history of abuse or neglect, which means they cannot have a diagnosis of RAD.

Children with RAD have a deeply rooted fear of attachment and avoid ways of connecting with their primary caregiver. Children with autism want to connect and attach but have developmental issues that prevent them from doing so without assistance.

How Do I Find Out if My Child Has Autism or RAD?

A developmental evaluation will determine the appropriate diagnosis for a child who has concerning behaviors. Ask your pediatrician or contact your local children’s hospital to find out where a developmental evaluation can be done near you.

This type of evaluation may include a whole set of diagnostic evaluations and criteria such as:

  • cognitive (IQ) testing
  • psychological testing
  • parent and teacher questionnaires
  • child history
  • communication assessment by a speech therapist
  • physical assessment by a physical therapist
  • adaptive assessment by an occupational therapist
  • ages and stages questionnaires
  • and other tools as determined by the doctor

Based on the results, the doctor or team will then determine if the child has RAD, Autism, both, or some other diagnosis. Results will be discussed with the parents and treatment recommendations are given.

Can a Child Have Both RAD and Autism?

Yes, it’s possible for a child to have both autism and Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Only a qualified medical professional can make this determination.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Autism vs RAD

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about attachment disorders vs. Autism.

Is Reactive Attachment Disorder a form of autism?

No, RAD is not a form of autism. They are two different disorders. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) results from early childhood trauma and is a personality disorder, while autism is a spectrum of developmental disorders.

Can you have RAD and autism together?

Yes, it is possible for a child to have both RAD and autism. Only a medical professional can make this dual diagnosis determination.

Can childhood trauma be mistaken for autism?

Yes, results of early childhood trauma and attachment issues are sometimes mistaken for autism because the resulting behaviors can be similar, although the root cause is different. Some of the overlapping behaviors include poor eye contact, unusual speech patterns, perseveration, and rages.

Is attachment disorder part of autism?

No. While people with autism struggle with attachment, it is not an attachment disorder. Attachment disorders are the result of early childhood trauma or neglect.

Is there a test for RAD?

There is no test for Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Instead, a developmental pediatrician, qualified therapist, or psychiatrist completes an assessment that includes a number of evaluations such as cognitive testing, complete medical and family history, parent and teacher evaluations, and more.

What is neurodivergent attachment?

Neurodivergence is the concept that some people have brains that work differently when they have dyslexia, autism, or ADHD. Attachment disorders from early childhood trauma or RAD are not considered neurodivergency.

Children with RAD vs autism may have similar behaviors, but the root cause is different, making a diagnosis possible. Consult a medical professional to find out the proper diagnosis for your child and find the best treatment options for RAD or treatment options for autism.

Do you have a child with RAD or autism? Share about it in the comments below.

A young child is drawing with crayons on a piece of paper with a text that reads as RAD vs Autism Understanding the Key Differences.

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Resources for Treatment for Youth with RAD, Autism, and Mental Health Issues

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Autism at Christmas: 7 Tips for an Autism-Friendly Holiday

About Sara

Sara Borgstede is a birth, adoptive, and foster mom who has parented children with attachment issues, RAD, trauma, developmental delays, autism (ASD), complex medical issues and many special needs. She worked for several years as a certified Family Advocate in the state of New York. She has a heart for real talk, honest conversations, and supporting parents who love children with the toughest behaviors.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kasia says

    August 28, 2022 at 9:45 pm

    Actually it’s possible for a person to have both RAD and Autism because Autistics do endure abuse and neglect from parents as well as others in school at an alarming higher rate. And thus do endure abuse from caregivers or primary provider if the primary caregiver has absolutely no idea how to get their child’s needs met. So to say that the child can’t have both is inaccurate.

    Reply
    • Sonya says

      November 15, 2022 at 6:49 am

      She said you can have both.

      Reply

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