My husband and I attended a support group meeting for Reactive Attachment Disorder last December. It was our first time and it was an hour away from our home.
I was definitely impressed with the Chairperson of this support group. She responded quickly to all my email inquiries with substantive information. She is like a “consider it done” person. I guessed, we are fortunate to have her.
In the support group, we donated $10 and this fee gives us access to numerous media resources. So far, I have borrowed maybe over 30 books in the span of two months. I am an avid reader and I like to jump from one topic to another like when one is watching television.
Everyone introduced one another. They were amazed that we have many children. They wished me good luck.
After attending two more support group meetings, I am greatly amazed how much the arsenal of information in our hands have made us able to share our experiences on a higher level. We have shown that we have tested some of the theories of attachment key players and narrated what worked for us. Further, the meeting gives us confidence to ask questions about our own current problems. Almost always, there are parents who have experienced similar trials.
We also met parents who have transcended to another level of understanding in RAD. These parents are our hope. I shed a tear or two that knowing that they have the courage to endure the trials of having RADish kids and sticking it out. After all, these are now your children. Who else will be able to try to give these kids a chance in life except us?
But the burden of the responsibility is very overwhelming. I have seen newbie parents who are angry and overwhelmed. This is the same situation I was in several months ago.
Our nearest support group is a two-hour drive (in the same town as our AT, but never on the same day as appointments!). So, I have built my own network online as best I can.
It’s invaluable!
Does anyone know any support groups in MASS?