Attachment Disorders

Many different trauma- and stress-related disorders as well as anxiety disorders may show the same symptoms as an attachment disorder. It is important to work with a qualified professional who will look at your child’s individual circumstances to determine what is going on and how best to move forward.

Children with attachment disorders tend to avoid social interaction, or they may participate in inappropriate interactions with strangers, such as asking any adult to hold or feed them. Symptoms of an attachment disorder include:

• Rarely seeks comfort from caregiver
• Does not respond well to comfort from caregiver when distressed
• Limited smiling or showing joy
• Unexplained irritability, sadness or fearfulness during interactions with caregiver

Or:

• Inappropriate approach to unfamiliar adults
• Lack of wariness of strangers or willingness to go off with strange

Many of these symptoms will be apparent within a child’s first year or two of life. Children with an attachment disorder need a safe, stable environment where they can receive consistent care and physical affection from parents or guardians.

Diagnosis of Attachment Disorders

Clinicians with Riley Child Development at IU Health perform comprehensive evaluations to identify attachment disorders. During the evaluation, the provider will take an extensive developmental history to find out about any health problems, what is going on in your child’s life and the history of his or her behavior. The provider will also observe how your child behaves and interacts during the appointment. 

You may be asked to fill out a brief questionnaire or checklist. If needed, your child may be brought back for an appointment to undergo psychological testing, speech testing and/or a medical examination. This testing, often in the form of activities or games, lets your child’s provider identify symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis.