A true story about adopting a child with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD). Listen to the unabridged award-winning audiobook here.
Keri reflects on what could have made a difference for her family, and families like hers, and highlights how listeners can advocate for change.
Devon’s relationship with Keri and the family is on a path of healing, however, he is not safe to move back home.
A distressing incident unfolds as Devon is assaulted by a staff person in a residential treatment facility.
Devon's birth mother, who neglected him only due to poverty and lack of resources, visits for the weekend.
Despite Keri's healing and effective engagement with Devon, he remains actively resistant to treatment, presenting an ongoing hurdle in their journey.
A glimmer of hope emerges as the new therapist demonstrates an understanding of reactive attachment disorder, leading to productive family therapy sessions.
In a disheartening turn of events, Devon manages to outsmart his new clinician, despite the foster mom witnessing his troublesome behaviors.
Despite the escalation of Devon's dangerous behaviors and his resistance to treatment, the therapist proposes moving him to a less restrictive foster home.
Devon is diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), a severe mental health condition that disproportionately affects children with a history of foster care or adoption.
The family's journey takes a new turn as Devon is admitted to a residential treatment facility and Keri starts seeing a therapist
Devon is enrolled in a partial hospitalization day program to address his physical aggression.
Devon receives treatment at a mental health hospital followed by Intensive In-Home services.
Keri makes the difficult decision to admit Devon to a psychiatric ward.
The family faces a breaking point when Devon's behavior becomes dangerous, leading to police involvement.
As the school year ends, Keri grapples with guilt over the unequal attention given to Devon, leaving Keri desperate for solutions.
Learn more here: What it's like being a sibling of a child with RAD
Devon's suspension from school marks a turning point, prompting Keri to intervene and discipline him.
Learn more here: How Dad's Struggle with accepting RAD
The family grapples with ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder diagnoses.
Learn more here: 95% of Adoptive Parents Jump in Heart-First, but Unprepared
Moving to North Carolina brings both joy and challenges for Keri's family and Devon's distant demeanor and strange behaviors persist.
For more information:
Why adoption stories aren't fairy tales
Tensions rise as Devon's peculiar behaviors escalate, creating a rollercoaster of heartwarming moments and tense situations.
Keri and her husband believed they were creating a perfect family, only to discover Devon's hidden trauma and challenging behaviors.
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