Gunner & Xander
devastation
•Gunner is thought to have Reactive Attachment Disorder, (RAD). RAD is one of the few disorders listed in the DSM-IV that can be applied to infants. It is a disorder caused by a lack of attachment to any specific caregiver at an early age, due to grossly negligent care and abuse. It sadly results in an inability for the child to form normal, loving relationships with others. He was in and out of unhealthy foster homes and a shelter for children, until his grandparents obtained legal custody, when he was 6.
•Xander, Gunner’s older brother, was adopted by his grandparents at 4 months old, and had been separated from his brother and sister all his life.
daily challenges
•Bedtime is one of the biggest challenges they face as Gunner has difficulty falling asleep
•He has angry outbursts, which are caused by the RAD, and exacerbated by the abuse.
•The brothers now share a bedroom, but the family did not have two beds so Gunner slept on the floor.
design solutions
•Lights that could stay on at night to combat the total darkness, and eliminate fear.
•Bunkbeds so the brothers had their own bed, but more floor space than before.
impact
•Safety & Security. Gunner now has a permanent home with his brother, sister & Grandparents. We wanted his bedroom to be a place where he can feel safe, have fun, and grow healthy.
•Love. We wanted to surround Gunner and his family with a new type of Love (to him) - the Love of a neighbor.