This is a more complex psychiatric illness that can develop in children and young people who struggle to develop emotional attachments to others and if not rectified can affect social and emotional development and future relationships. 

If you are concerned your child may have a diagnosable attachment disorder seek advice from the child’s social worker and your assessing social worker who can arrange any necessary assessments and support. 

Holding Child Hand

Remember, overcoming attachment issues in looked after children and young people can be a challenge, and at times you may feel rejected or unappreciated. Maintaining patience, understanding and consistency will allow you to manage attachment issues more effectively and when you do make small steps in the right direction the feeling of satisfaction and achievement can be huge. 

Woman And Boy Book
Girls Walking Away

The signs of an attachment disorder and autism have a number of similarities. Read our webpage here, which sets out some of the similarities and differences between the two.