10 Concerning Facts Surrounding Beth Thomas, The Child Of Rage

6 /10 The Documentary Brought A Lot Of Disapproval

When HBO aired 6-year-old Beth’s shocking interview footage, the Tennent couple received a lot of criticism. People accused them of violating her privacy and exposing the child to the world’s scrutiny. 

Beth’s parents maintained that they only wanted to show people that kids like Beth existed, so they’ll know how to help. Dr. Magid also supported her parents.

5 /10 She Was Diagnosed With RAD

No, it’s not cancer. But, it can be just as deadly. RAD means Reactive Attachment Disorder. It is a condition where children cannot form healthy bonds with parents, siblings, and caregivers due to the abuse they suffered in their childhood.

The early years of a child are the formative years. Especially the first two. What you give a child is what that child will give back as they age. 

Beth’s abuse was what made her react violently to the affection shown to her. She even went further to hurt animals and her brother.

Thus, her therapist, Dr. Ken Magid, became increasingly convinced that she needed intensive care. So, her parents put her under the supervision of another therapist, Connell Watkins.

4 /10 The New Therapy Worked

Beth’s new therapy meant she had to live under the custody of Connell Watkins. Her treatment, Attachment Therapy, involved making her ask for permission for everything, even the smallest activity.

And as she grew calmer and earned their trust, they would relax some of the rules. She also had to go through sessions of being embraced by a guardian, parent, or caregiver.

The purpose of this technique was to let the child vent out all their rage. And for them to get used to being held by those who love them. The treatment was successful. And within a year, Beth could share a room with another child.

3 /10 She's Doing Well Now

While Beth had moved on and progressed despite all the horrors she faced in her past, her former therapist, Connell Watkins, can’t say the same.

When she started her attachment therapy with Beth, she faced a lot of controversy calling her method strict.

Specific experts said that the treatment was only concerned with the consequences of abuse and didn’t heal the trauma. However, Connell still practiced attachment therapy even till the 2000s. But, in 2001, tragedy struck.

During one of her therapy sessions, a 10-year-old Candace Newmaker was smothered to death by four adults who were “hugging” her with pillows. Connell was jailed for seven years. And attachment therapy was banned.

1 /10 Psychopathic? We Think Not

After the documentary, many people knew Beth Thomas as “the psychopathic little girl.” There is even a CBS movie based on her life story. However, some people think she was portrayed in a very harsh light. 

There are arguments that Beth may not have been a psychopath because that meant not showing remorse and just being dead inside.

But Beth had shown remorse after some of her actions and was well-behaved on some occasions. Her harsh environment only shaped her. That’s why there is controversy as to whether she suffered from sociopathy and not psychopathy.

What we know for sure is that ill-treatment and abuse at a tender age may shape a child into a murderous machine with pent-up rage. But therapy, patience, love, support, and care can help them overcome these disorders and live a fulfilled life.