WY Quality Counts

Attachment Disorder

Date : Monday, July 19 2010
Source: Autourina Mains

I had a work study one year that brought her little 6 year old to work with her.  The little one helped mama prepare meals, set tables and clean up after meals.  I gave this hard working little one a dollar.  Her mom said “She was so excited and said I worked and got money …I am rich.”  To be a child and carefree again, we usually have the image of children being happy, go lucky and carefree, but that may not be true with all children, especially children with attachment disorder. 

Attachment disorder happens when children have not had an opportunity to bond with an adult during infancy.  Children who are raised in orphanages or experience multiple foster care typically struggle with attachment disorder.  These little guys never got the chance to bond with an adult during infancy which affects their social/emotional development.   Attachment disorder manifests differently at various ages. For instance at infancy it can manifest as abnormal crying that cannot be soothed or difficulty feeding the baby.  Where as in older children it can manifest as:

• Depression

• Low self-esteem

• Inability to trust and build friendship

• Eating disorder (overeating, hording )

• Oppositional and defiant behavior

• Manipulative behavior

• Lack of compassion and remorse (destruction to property or cruelty to animals)

• Impulsive behavior and lack of understanding consequences

Children with attachment disorder may also have multiple disabilities such as speech/language delay and learning problems as well as behavior problems at school and home. They may also have difficulty dealing with stress and change. 

Parents of children with attachment disorder may feel helpless, demoralized and emotionally exhausted.  They may seem angry, frustrated and hostile. And some parents may have feelings of inadequacy and guilt.

Though it may sound hopeless there is help for children with attachment disorder.  First and most importantly there has to be a diagnosis by a professional….NEVER DIAGNOSE a disability or disorder.  Treatment varies but typically offering the child the following is helpful:

• Create a nurturing environment (home and school)

• Develop trust and positive caring connections (the child needs to connect with an adult)

• Ongoing therapy and intervention

Keep in mind that behavior is a form of communication.  The only way the child may be able to communicate his fears of rejection which most of these little ones are feeling is through behavior.  There is help out there so make sure to seek out support for your family and your child.  There are numerous national, state and local agencies that specialize in treating attachment disorder.