|
ATTACHMENT
DISORDER
Most
people take attachment for granted. Children spends most of their time
around caregivers and naturally forms a bond with the caregiver. Once
the bonds of attachment have been put in place they are very strong and
can be transferred to other people as needed. These vital bonds are formed
during the first two years of life.
The
tragedy of attachment disorder occurs when a child never forms attachment
bonds in the early years. This can happen when no caregivers are available
to bond with the child or when the bonding process is severely disrupted.
Children
whose developmental interruptions have resulted in an attachment disorder
may exhibit many, or even all, of the following symptoms: (Thanks to
‘Adopting the Hurt Child" by Gregory C. Keck & Regina
M. Kupecky, 1995 by permission of Pinon Press and all rights reserved
(800) 366-7788)
Superficially
engaging and "charming" behavior
Indiscriminate affection toward strangers
Lack of affection with parents on their terms (not cuddly)
Little eye contact with parents, on normal terms
Persistent nonsense questions and incessant chatter
Lying about the obvious (crazy lying)
Stealing
Destructive behavior to self, to others, and to material things
(accident prone)
Abnormal eating patterns
No impulse controls (frequently acts hyperactive)
Lags in learning
Abnormal speech patterns
Poor peer relationships
Lack of cause-and-effect thinking
Lack of conscience
Cruelty to animals
Preoccupation with fire
There
is an active support group in the Philadelphia Area. The
"Support Group for Parents of Children with Attachment Disorders/Difficulties."
meets in West Chester and Warminster.
Attach
of Eastern PA is the local affiliate for Attach.
Attach is a growing list of parents
and professionals interested in attachment and bonding issues.
Attachment Disorder Site
offering articles and information.
Attachment Disorder
Email List an outreach of the Attachment Disorder Site.
Dianne Kuchlak
is a Chester County based therapist specializing in Reactive Attachment
Disorder.
ABCofPA (Attachment and Bonding
Center of PA) specialize in the treatment of children and adolescents
with attachment disorders.
Attachment.Adoption.com
large site with many pertinent articles.
Institute for Attachment
and Child Development- Pioneers in the treatment of attachment disorder
they are committed to transforming the lives of children with attachment
disorder and their families.
Evergreen
Consultants - A useful site.
Kuddle Kids Korner - a
family perspective.
The Attachment Disorder
Support Group - This site is dedicated to this problem. It offers
real time on line networking and support.
A Reactive Attachment
Disorder Primer - this site provides a comprehensive self-guided
tour through many facets of this dicorder. Well worth the trip.
Theraplay is short-term,
therapist-directed play therapy for children and their parents which
has been found to be helpful.
Dr. Martha
G. Welch is one of a very limited number of medical doctors in the
United States who specialize in Reactive Attachment Disorder.
The Post Institute for Family-Centered Therapy concentrates on attachment issues. Dr. Bryan Post of one of the experts in this area.
Center for Family Development
articles and research.
Wisconsin Attachment Resource Network
has a lot of good information especially covering Professional and Home
therapy.
Heal the Hearts Foundation
promotes the education and understanding of Reactive Attachment Disorder.
Families By Design Nancy Thomas'
site featuring books, articles, and helpful tips.
Tulsa Today has
an excellent series of articles on attachment disorder by Linda Smith.
Attach-China is devoted to
educating parents of children adopted from China about Reactive Attachment
Disorder.
The Little Prince is a nice site run by a RAD parent. It has great
poetry as well as advice.
RadKid is a well presented and informative site put together by
a paramedic who has been personally touched by this disorder.
Melanie
A. Thompson, LCSW
offers treatment for attachment disorder.
Adoption
Information & Support Services offers counseling services for
all members of the adoption triad.
After Adoption specialize in providing helpful therapy for attachment problems.
|
TAPLINK