Attachment Disorder Introduction

Thu, 01/20/2011 - 12:04

We have collected this resource for families, social workers and teachers.

This is not the topical list of resources on attachment disorder. This current resource has been compiled through resource evaluation, and actually talking with parents, educators, experienced therapists, and social workers. The information contained here is practical, usable and deals directly with the behavioral issues of AD kids.

The Attachment Center defines this emotional and behavioral disorder as -- "Attachment disorder is broadly defined as a child possessing difficulties in bonding and developing emotional connections with others, usually a parent or guardian figure. Many child development specialists have posted that attachment disorders may be caused by negative experiences in their early relationships, which may make a child feel abandoned, powerless and uncared for.
 
Attempting to give a child with an attachment disorder a new outlook on life is hard. It will be important that they have a counselor or therapist to discuss their issues with as well. They will be struggling to accept that this attachment is for real and that opening up is okay. Remembering that it is just as hard for the child to repair the damage that was done will help the parents keep moving forward in the hard journey."
 
Families that are dealing with a child diagnosed or suspected as having attachment related issues are overwhelmed. Living with a child with attachment issues feels like living in a stressful time bomb. These kids often are calmer when creating a life of chaos, it isn't that they enjoy this but it is an odd sense of control.
 
When others are stressed, they are more relaxed. When others are relaxed and are in more control, they are more stressed and feel they have lost control.

Evergreen Psychotherapy Center further clarifies Attachment Disorder: Traits and Symptoms as:

Attachment disorder affects all aspect of a child's functioning. A child may display some combination of the following primary symptoms:
  • Behavior: oppositional and defiant, impulsive, destructive, lie and steal, aggressive and abusive, hyperactive, self-destructive, cruel to animals, irresponsible, fire setting.
  • Emotions: intense anger and temper, sad, depressed and hopeless, moody, fearful and anxious (although often hidden), irritable, inappropriate emotional reactions.
  • Thoughts: negative beliefs about self, relationships, and life in general ("negative working model"), lack of cause-and-effect thinking, attention and learning problems.
  • Relationships: lacks trust, controlling ("bossy"), manipulative, does not give or receive genuine affection and love, indiscriminately affectionate with strangers, unstable peer relationships, blames others for own mistakes or problems, victimizes others/victimized.
  • Physical: poor hygiene, tactilely defensive, enuresis and encopresis, accident prone, high pain tolerance, genetic predispositions (e.g., depression, hyperactivity).
  • Moral/Spiritual: lack of faith, compassion, remorse, meaning and other prosocial values, identification with evil and the dark side of life.
All too often we hear from families with stories of those that do not believe the behaviors being seen at home. Educators, social workers, medical professionals and yes, even therapists. These kids are experts at displaying an individual that has no behavior issues outside the home. They have a "Phd" in drawing others into their drama, and displacing the blame on other family members. Even a seasoned professional can be confused by these behaviors.  

While understanding the theoretical basis of attachment is important and can be learned through training, reading and case management, understanding what it looks and feels like in the home is another issue. Families need an actual understanding as to what it is like to live with a child that has attachment issues, the theory of why the child has AD or RAD issues is secondary to the parents at this point. 

A note for our professional community: We welcome professionals to utilize  our support resources with families that are dealing with a AD or RAD. Please know that we welcome all referrals dealing with AD-RAD behaviours; If you are aware of AD-RAD issues prior to placement, FLO can provide guidance to the family before and after placement.

Remember, like everything here at FLO visit this area often for changes, updates and added information.