Final answer:
Charlotte is showing signs of reactive attachment disorder, as is evident from her withdrawn behavior, lack of seeking comfort, and her mother's insensitivity, which align with theories on RAD and suggest neglect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) is a serious condition that is often a result of inadequate care and emotional neglect. Children with RAD are usually emotionally withdrawn towards caregivers and do not seek comfort when distressed. This condition is characterized by the child's ambient and unpredictable reactions to caregivers and a general failure to engage in social interactions in a normal way. Charlotte's withdrawn behavior, lack of seeking help when distressed, and her mother's unemotional response are indicative of an environment that could lead to RAD. The symptoms described, such as unclean clothing and an unhealthy lunch, suggest a possible lack of attention to Charlotte's basic needs. According to Mary Ainsworth’s research, children with RAD may have experienced insensitive and inattentive caregiving, which mirrors Charlotte’s experience as depicted in the scenario.
It's important to differentiate RAD from other disorders that can also feature attention issues or oppositional behaviors. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) focuses more on the child’s hyperactivity and impulsivity which is not mentioned in Charlotte’s case. Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) involves a pattern of angry/irritable mood, argumentativeness/defiant behavior, or vindictiveness, which is also not indicated here. In contrast to disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED), children with RAD like Charlotte tend to avoid social interaction instead of seeking it indiscriminately.In the provided context, an uninvolved parenting style could be contributing to Charlotte's condition, which aligns with the neglectful behaviors of her mother and the resultant symptoms Charlotte is manifesting.