Examines the scope of the deep and enduring connection between child and caregiver, what happens when this attachment is disrupted, and how to repair the damage. Children who begin their lives with compromised or disrupted attachment are at risk for serious problems as development unfolds, including low self-esteem, lack of self-control, inability to develop and maintain friendships, antisocial behaviors, aggression and violence, and academic difficulties. Once these children reach adulthood, the cycle of maltreatment and attachment disorder then can be perpetuated in their own children. Chapters address: the roots of attachment; assessment and diagnosis of disrupted attachment; corrective attachment therapy, providing a 2-week treatment program; training for caregivers, including specific techniques for parenting a child with attachment disorder; and relevant public policy issues. Appendices include sample forms, treatment plans and checklists, tables, suggested reading, case studies, and a chartdefining and comparing the symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) bipolar disorder, and reactive attachment disorder.
