Response to Allen (2018): Points of agreement and disagreement on reactive attachment disorder

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a very rare, understudied, and controversial disorder. Research in Developmental Disabilities (RIDD) recently published our research study, “Reactive attachment/disinhibited social engagement disorders: Callous-unemotional traits and comorbidity” (Mayes, Waschbusch, Calhoun, Breaux, & Baweja, 2017) investigating comorbidity in children with RAD and demonstrating a high prevalence of conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits, consistent with previous research. Allen (2018) responded with a paper published in RIDD criticizing our study and offering his points of view. In our response to Allen, which follows, we discuss areas where we agree with Allen, as well as areas of disagreement, all presented within the context of scientific research. A point we assume we all agree on is the importance of continued empirical research to advance our knowledge and understanding of RAD.